Behavior and dynamics of gecko’s locomotion: The effects of moving directions on a vertical surface

The study of the movement behavior of geckos on a vertical surface, including the measurement and recording of the reaction forces as they move in different directions, plays an important role in understanding the mechanics of the animals’ locomotion. This study provides inspiration for the design of a control system for a bionics robot. The three-dimensional reaction forces of vertical surface-climbing geckos (Gekko gecko) were measured using a three-dimensional force-sensors-array. The behavior of gecko as it moved on a vertical surface was recorded with a high speed camera at 215 fps and the function of each foot of a gecko are discussed in this paper. The results showed that the gecko increased its velocity of movement mainly by increasing the stride frequency in the upward, downward and leftward direction and that the speed had no significant relationship to the attachment and detachment times. The feet above the center-of-mass play a key role in supporting the body, driving locomotion and balancing overturning etc. The movement behavior and foot function of geckos change correspondingly for different conditions, which results in safe and effective free vertical locomotion. This research will be helpful in designing gecko-like robots including the selection of gait planning and its control.