In nature, capillary forces shape the microscopic realm. However their use in microengineering is currently limited by the lack of a robust handling strategy of the tiny volumes of liquid involved. Most insects rely on capillary forces for terrestrial locomotion. Some (incl. beetles) have hairy adhesive pads on their legs that provide fast and reversible attachment on almost any substrate. A femtoliter of liquid is passively dispensed to the tip of each hair, where it forms a bridge with the substrate and provides robust capillary adhesion. Liquid footprints are minimized when the pad detaches.

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