#Robot Climbs Sheer Faces Using Apelike Gait

Most robots designed for climbing concentrate on adhering to sheer faces, rather than on energy efficiency, but by mimicking biological climbing strategies the rocking-climbing-oscillating robot (ROCR) from the University of Utah is changing priorities. Look for autonomous robots that walk, crawl and climb for every thing from emergency rescues to surveillance over the next five years. RColinJohnson @NextGenLog


Rocking-climbing-oscillating robot (ROCR) uses a pendulum-like tail (using its battery as balast) to gain height which it uses to ratchet upward claw-over-claw style.

Here is what Smarter Technology says about climbing robots: Apelike swinging motions achieve unprecedented energy efficiency for a climbing robot that combines mechanical ratcheting with precise electronic control algorithms to navigate vertical ascents...Scientists designed the bot from the ground up for energy efficiency by mimicking biologically adept climbers, such as swinging apes...
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