This review summarizes the structure, fabrication, and applications of gecko-inspired controllable adhesives. Geckos have a unique foot adhesion system that allows them to climb on various surfaces, including ceilings, due to their controllable adhesion and detachment mechanism. This mechanism is based on van der Waals forces and involves hierarchical structures on their feet, including setae and spatulas, which enable strong adhesion and easy detachment. Researchers have developed gecko-inspired adhesives that mimic this mechanism, aiming to create controllable adhesives with high adhesion strength and the ability to detach easily. The adhesion mechanism of gecko feet involves a multi-scale structure, with setae (hairs) and spatulas (tiny structures at the end of setae) that interact with surfaces through van der Waals forces. The adhesion force is influenced by factors such as humidity, surface hydrophobicity, and the contact angle between the setae and the surface. Researchers have explored various methods to replicate this mechanism, including the design of anisotropic microstructures, such as tilted micropillars and wedge structures, which allow for directional adhesion and detachment. These structures enable controlled adhesion by changing the shear direction, resulting in different contact areas with the surface. In addition to anisotropic microstructures, researchers have also explored active modulation methods, such as using shape memory polymers (SMPs) and magnetic microstructures, to control adhesion. SMPs can change shape in response to external stimuli, such as heat or light, allowing for reversible adhesion and detachment. Magnetic microstructures, on the other hand, use magnetic fields to control adhesion, enabling fast switching between adhesion and detachment states. The fabrication of gecko-inspired adhesives involves various methods, including replica molding and gas-phase growth. Replica molding is the most widely used method, where a polymer material is cast into a mold with the microstructures of the gecko-inspired adhesive surface, and the adhesive surface is obtained by peeling off the polymer material after curing. Photolithography is a common technique used to create molds for gecko-inspired adhesives, allowing for precise control over the size and shape of micro/nanostructures. The applications of gecko-inspired adhesives include climbing robots, grippers, and space debris removal devices. These adhesives offer advantages such as high adhesion strength, controllable detachment, and the ability to adhere to various surfaces. Future research aims to improve the performance of these adhesives, enhance their durability, and expand their applications in various fields.This review summarizes the structure, fabrication, and applications of gecko-inspired controllable adhesives. Geckos have a unique foot adhesion system that allows them to climb on various surfaces, including ceilings, due to their controllable adhesion and detachment mechanism. This mechanism is based on van der Waals forces and involves hierarchical structures on their feet, including setae and spatulas, which enable strong adhesion and easy detachment. Researchers have developed gecko-inspired adhesives that mimic this mechanism, aiming to create controllable adhesives with high adhesion strength and the ability to detach easily. The adhesion mechanism of gecko feet involves a multi-scale structure, with setae (hairs) and spatulas (tiny structures at the end of setae) that interact with surfaces through van der Waals forces. The adhesion force is influenced by factors such as humidity, surface hydrophobicity, and the contact angle between the setae and the surface. Researchers have explored various methods to replicate this mechanism, including the design of anisotropic microstructures, such as tilted micropillars and wedge structures, which allow for directional adhesion and detachment. These structures enable controlled adhesion by changing the shear direction, resulting in different contact areas with the surface. In addition to anisotropic microstructures, researchers have also explored active modulation methods, such as using shape memory polymers (SMPs) and magnetic microstructures, to control adhesion. SMPs can change shape in response to external stimuli, such as heat or light, allowing for reversible adhesion and detachment. Magnetic microstructures, on the other hand, use magnetic fields to control adhesion, enabling fast switching between adhesion and detachment states. The fabrication of gecko-inspired adhesives involves various methods, including replica molding and gas-phase growth. Replica molding is the most widely used method, where a polymer material is cast into a mold with the microstructures of the gecko-inspired adhesive surface, and the adhesive surface is obtained by peeling off the polymer material after curing. Photolithography is a common technique used to create molds for gecko-inspired adhesives, allowing for precise control over the size and shape of micro/nanostructures. The applications of gecko-inspired adhesives include climbing robots, grippers, and space debris removal devices. These adhesives offer advantages such as high adhesion strength, controllable detachment, and the ability to adhere to various surfaces. Future research aims to improve the performance of these adhesives, enhance their durability, and expand their applications in various fields.