12 Spider-Man Questions That Always Confused You
3. Can A Spider-Man Theoretically Exist?
In 2013, a robotics designer called Victor Mateevitsi built a suit with mini-microphones that tingle if it picks up on any sound. This suit was designed to help the wearer evade unseen threats. Although most prototype technology has boring names like LE43244, this tech has the best name possible; the SpiderSense.
But what about sticking to walls? Is it possible to create technology to replicate this ability? The short answer is a big fat no. You see, there is a simple rule for all animals that can stick to surfaces; the larger an animal is, the more of its body needs to be in contact with a surface to stick to it.
A spider is so light, it only needs to use 1% of its body weight to stick to a wall. Because a gecko is much larger, 4% of its body needs to be in contact with a wall to stick to it.
In case you didn't notice, humans are WAY bigger. Despite Spider-Man's strength and sticking ability, 40% of his body would need to be in contact with a surface for him to lift himself off the ground. This means (and prepare to be shocked!), Spider-Man ISN'T scientifically accurate.