Electroadhesion[1] is the electrostatic effect of astriction between two surfaces subjected to an electrical field.
Applications include the retention of paper on plotter surfaces, astrictive robotic prehension (electrostatic grippers), electroadhesive displays,[2] etc.
[5] Electroadhesion can be loosely divided into two basic forms: that which concerns the prehension of electrically conducting materials where the general laws of capacitance hold (D = E ε) and that used with electrically insulating subjects where the more advanced theory of electrostatics (D = E ε + P) applies.
[6] In practice, surface irregularities such as waviness, wrinkles, and roughness introduce air gaps.
It is being proposed for application in various fields, including gripping devices,[8] climbing robots,[9] VR haptics,[10] and variable stiffness mechanisms.