Awesome Materials

Geckos can climb up smooth surfaces and even walk upside-down, thanks to the microscopic structures that have evolved on their skin. Derek from Veritasium met with Stanford mechanical engineering professor Mark Cutkosky to learn about synthetic materials he’s developed which can mimic the capabilities of gecko skin.

Researchers from the Hasso Plattner Institute show off a unique material – one which can have mechanisms built into it through the use of cellular grids. These allow for motion as they collapse and expand, eliminating the need for traditional mechanisms like hinges or gears.