Membrane Wrapping for High Capacity and Rapidly Switchable Adhesives

Abstract Rapidly switchable adhesives that can attach and release on demand are essential for applications in robotic manipulation, automated assembly, space operations, and biomedical devices. However, simultaneously achieving high attachment force with high switchability at rapid time scales remains a significant challenge. Here, a compliant, adhesive membrane is utilized that uses a pressure‐driven wrapping mechanism to achieve high‐capacity, rapidly switchable adhesion. The membrane is first inflated, then pressed into the target object, and finally deflated to tightly wrap around it, generating a strong attachment. This approach enables adhesion forces up to 164 N, switching ratios as high as 6240×, and fast response times, under 2 s to attach and 0.2 s to detach, showing exceptional properties for switchable adhesion. By coupling adhesion, suction, and friction, this wrapping mechanism enables broadband adhesion enhancement in both dry and underwater environments. The adhesive can rapidly lift and release objects larger or smaller than the gripper, across diverse sizes, shapes, and material properties, from delicate items like eggs and berries to flat, complex, or heavy objects up to 20 kg. These results establish a pathway toward high‐performance, switchable adhesives capable of reliable operation in dynamic and unstructured real‐world environments.