AbstractMaterials that are inspired by or are mimics of natural fibrillar surfaces in lizards and insects aim to achieve enhanced interfacial adhesion and contact properties by means of a fibrillar architecture. Studies of the mechanics of deformation and adhesion of such materials help to explain how they work and are aiding the design of their architecture. This article discusses some of the issues addressed by these studies, such as how can a fibrillar interface be made stronger and tougher than a flat control, and how does one enhance its ability to make contact to a variety of substrates?