![](https://naturesraincoats.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Pinned-drop.png)
Uses of water-shedding surfaces
Here we show examples of self-propelled droplet motion induced by gradients in surface texture or hydrophobicity.
Self-propelled
Droplet Motion
![Deop self-propelled in a circular path on SLIPS](https://naturesraincoats.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Self-propelled_drop-300x242.png)
Long-distance motion of droplets along complex paths can be designed using tapered slippery microrails.
Bidirectional Droplet
Motion
![Schematic of surface exhibiting bidirectional motion](https://naturesraincoats.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Bidirectional_motion-2.png)
A droplet on tapered slippery microrails separated by a liquid lubricant may move either forwards or backwards.