Abstract: The use of an unctuous sealing material (high viscosity liquid bordering on, or having, solid behavior at low shear forces) for sealing open pore, highly crushable suction cups allows for increased surface conformation for fast secure vacuum gripping, and maintenance of the pressure differential with lower energy in view of the seal. Furthermore, fast grasping is demonstrated if the unctuous sealing material protrudes from the lip.

Abstract: A base attachment module (BAM) of a small aerial vehicle (SAV) for attaching the SAV to an unprepared work surface has a surface meeting docking assembly (DA) with contact points for contacting the work surface, and a contracting suction cup (CSC) in a position surrounded by the contact points such that it extends beyond a plane (or other surface contour) of the points in a fully extended operating position, and is retracted below the plane in a retracted position. Actuation of the CSC when in contact with the surface, allows for the DA to be brought into contact with the contact points in a controlled manner, for a high stiffness attachment, as is needed for deployment of robotic tasks from a SAV.