Bio- and bioinspired textures for enhancing friction forces

Abstract The concept of enhancing surface friction through the implementation of surface texturing has garnered significant attention. In nature, numerous animal species are renowned for their reliable attachment pads, characterized by textured epidermal surfaces featuring a dense array of distinct geometries. These intriguing surface textures enable them to achieve robust friction necessary for locomotion or attachment on various surfaces. In the realm of technology, such concise yet efficient frictional designs have also been noteworthy due to their wide-ranging applications in areas such as biomimetic robots, tires, and wearable devices. However, despite the extensive development of artificial mimicked textures, their frictional performance still falls short compared to natural systems. This paper presents an overview of recent advancements in bio- and bioinspired textures aimed at augmenting friction, encompassing their architectural designs, inherent properties, underlying physical principles, and future research directions.