2020 Volume 65 Issue 5 Pages 271-279
In tribology, friction control is the most important issue. Surface texturing plays an important role in friction control. In recent years, friction reduction technology, which aims to reduce energy loss in mechanical systems for solving global environmental problems, has received much attention. On the other hand, control of constant high frictional forces such as power transmission mechanisms and brakes is also an important technical issue. Looking to the future, technology for controlling friction at the interface between living organisms and artifacts will be indispensable for realizing a collaborative society in which humans and robots coexist. This article reviews the role and the key findings of surface texture for friction control, and outlines the possibility and future trends.