Robo-Gecko Climbs Glass 143
galactic_grub writes "Researchers at Stanford have developed a robot that mimics the extraordinary climbing skills of the Gecko. These creatures can climb sheer surfaces thanks to the intermolecular forces exerted by millions of tiny hairs their feet, called setae. The robot, Stickybot, has polymer pads on its feed with synthetic setae. Check out the video of it climbing up a sheet of glass."
Re: The Article. Shocked this is new (Score:3, Insightful)
They also mention the rescue bot - that sounds like a great application for a collapsed building.
Re:The Article. Shocked this is new (Score:3, Insightful)
The big problem with gecko gloves or any other application of this principle is keeping them clean. The same force that lets this material stick to glass makes it an absolute magnet for dirt.