Metin Sitti is a professor in Department of Mechanical Engineering and Robotics Institute in Carnegie Mellon University. He obtained his PhD in Tokyo University. He is interested in micro/nanorobotics, nanomanufacturing, MEMS/NEMS, biomimetic micro/nanosystems, directed self-assembly, bionanotechnology , haptic interfaces, and tele-robotics. He conducted the Micromechanical Flying Insect Project.
Sitti is currently working on the development of robots using a "sticky" elastic polymer capable of adhering to a variety of surfaces, inspired by the "hairs" which allow geckos to stick to walls. According to the Pittsburgh Tribune Review: "Sitti's most recent innovation is to use the gecko-inspired technology to print electronics on sticky surfaces. This way, circuit transistors can be woven into fabric and clothing."[1] New Scientist reported in an interview with Sitti that sticky robots using the gecko-hair technology could "tackle many jobs in the home including painting ceilings and clearing cobwebs. They could also play a part in exploration, inspection, repair and even search and rescue."[2]
Working with graduate student Yun Seong Song, Sitti also designed a tiny robot that, mimicking a water strider insect, can walk on the surface tension of water.[3]