In the world of robotics and automation, one of the enduring challenges is developing gripping systems capable of reliably handling objects with irregular, curved, or textured surfaces. Inspired by nature’s own soft-bodied engineers—the octopus and similar creatures—researchers at the Nanyang Technological University in Singapore have recently unveiled an innovative suction mechanism that could transform how robots grasp and manipulate complex objects.
Traditional robotic suction cups rely on active vacuum pumps to generate a negative pressure that holds objects in place. While effective on smooth surfaces, these systems tend to be noisy, energy-consuming, and often struggle with textured or uneven surfaces where leaks and seal failures occur. This limits their applicability in real-world scenarios like handling rocks, textured materials, or curved shapes.
In contrast, many animals such as octopuses, leeches, and remoras have evolved a remarkable ability to adhere to a wide variety of surfaces without active pumping. Their secret lies in a combination of soft tissues that conform seamlessly to surface irregularities and mucus secretion that creates a micro-seal—an airtight interface that sustains grip over extended periods.
Mimicking Nature: The Bioinspired Multiscale Suction System
Building on this biological insight, engineers have developed a multiscale suction device that integrates hierarchical soft materials with a controlled water (or mucus-like fluid) secretion system. This design effectively replicates the natural synergy of mechanical conformity and liquid sealing, enabling a robust, adaptable grip.
The core of the system involves multilayer soft structures—comparable to a porous sponge combined with a flexible silicone pad—that deform to match both macro- and micro-scale surface features. This hierarchical conformation significantly reduces leaks by filling gaps at various scales, even on very rough or curved objects.
Complementing this mechanical adaptation is an active water secretion system, inspired by mucus glands in biological suckers. Tiny channels supply a controlled amount of water around the rim of the device, forming a micro-seal that greatly extends the duration of adhesion. This “artificial mucus” creates a tight, airtight interface at the micro-level, preventing leaks and maintaining grip for much longer than traditional suction cups.
Smarter, Quieter, and More Versatile
One of the most compelling benefits of this bioinspired system is that it eliminates the need for active vacuum pumps. Without noisy, energy-hungry equipment, robots can operate more quietly and efficiently, making this technology ideal for sensitive environments or compact robotic systems.
The hierarchical conforming structure allows the suction device to adhere strongly to objects with complex geometries, including highly curved or textured surfaces that typically defeat conventional systems. The water regulation mechanism ensures that the seal remains effective over longer periods, enabling robots to hold objects securely during tasks like assembly, inspection, or transport.
Practical demonstrations have shown that the system can grip objects of various shapes, weights—such as stones, textured models, and curved surfaces—and maintain adhesion even under dynamic conditions. These advances open up new possibilities for robots working in unstructured or challenging environments like construction sites, agriculture fields, or space missions. Looking ahead, researchers plan to incorporate sensors that can monitor seal integrity and automatically adjust water secretion rates in real-time. This would enable even smarter, autonomous gripping systems capable of adapting on the fly to changing surface conditions and task requirements.
This bioinspired approach exemplifies how studying and mimicking nature’s solutions can lead to more efficient, versatile, and sustainable robotic systems—paving the way for a new generation of soft, adaptive manipulators.
Check out the research article for more details and information on their official PNAS scientific journal post.
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