Mushroom-design fastener could aid soft robotics

The team, from Wageningen University, said that the fastener could be as strong as velcro but with less noise and damage to other fabrics. Currently available fasteners, like Velcro and 3M dual lock, are hook and loop fasteners and require harder, stiff material which is what causes the loud ripping sound when they are peeled off. 

For the study, published in Biointerphases, the authors said they used 3D printing combined with moulding to create soft surfaces patterned with the tiny mushrooms. That material was then safely attached to three different fabrics and removed without causing damage, the team explained.

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“It can be used in many applications such as for diapers or silent fasteners for military use,” said author Preeti Sharma. “There is still a lot of research to be done, but the mushroom-shaped design worked quite well for soft mechanical fasteners.”