Reversible Perspiring Artificial “Fingertips” (Adv. Mater. 18/2023)

Artificial Fingertips Human fingertips with intricate structures and delicate perspiration system help people in gripping, climbing, or even more complex activities. In article number 2209729, Dirk J. Broer, Danqing Liu, and co-workers report the design of a coating made of cholesteric liquid crystal networks to mimic not only the unique fingerprint topography but also the liquid secretion in human fingertips. The biomimetic perspiration of the coating is reversible, as controlled by light, which can be used to fine-tune the surface tribological property. The performance of this material shows its potential to be applied for robotic devices.