'Rocking' #Robot Mimics Human, Ape Climbers

Climbing robots to date have concentrated on methods of grappling up different types of surfaces, but this one aims to increase the efficiency of the energy used to climb. Look for super-efficient robotic climbers within five years. RColinJohnson @NextGenLog


A rocking-climbing robot uses a pendulum-like tail (utilizing its battery as ballast) to gain height which it uses to ratchet upward, claw-over-claw style.

Here is what EETimes says about climbing robots: Robotic technology that climbs walls using Tarzan's "swinging rope" technique was demonstrated recently by the University of Utah. The rocking-oscillating-climbing robot (ROCR) is claimed to be the world's most efficient climber, and is aimed at applications such as inspection of buildings, bridges, dams, storage tanks and nuclear facilities as well as reconnaissance within buildings...
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