15 Human Technologies Inspired by Plants and Animals: How Biomimicry Is Shaping the Future

Direct comparison of the Kingfisher's beak and the Bullet Train nose cone.

3. Gecko-Inspired Adhesives — Climbing Like Nature’s Wall Master

The millions of tiny hairs (setae) on a gecko’s feet inspired the development of residue-free, powerful gecko-tape adhesives.

Geckos are famous for walking across walls and ceilings with ease. Their feet have millions of microscopic hairs called setae that use molecular forces (van der Waals forces) to cling to surfaces.

Scientists have used this principle to develop:

  • Dry adhesives that require no glue
  • Climbing robots
  • Wall-climbing gloves for humans
  • Reusable tapes

These adhesives are incredibly strong yet leave no residue, just like gecko footprints.