Researchers at the Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST) in South Korea have created a 3D printed wall-climbing robot.
The quadruped robot is intended to imitate the functionalities of a gecko to climb steep surfaces and even repel water.
The research team used nanoparticles to mimic the gecko’s water repellency and ability to climb in the rain.
Known as UNIclimb, “for universal climbing on surfaces in any orientation; with a structure, locomotion mechanism, climbing ability, and surface functionality similar to a gecko.” Wall-climbing The robot’s body was 3D printed using an sPro 60 HD-HS from 3D Systems.
The adhesion pads, which were mounted to the robot’s arms and feet to provide its gecko-like movement, were created through a replica molding technique.
Geckos are able to cling to surfaces using the tiny hairs on their feet.
The Geckos climbing ability also inspired the Korean researchers with their robot.
Water repellent In addition to scaling surfaces like Spiderman, the researchers were also keen to create a robot able to operate in the rain or even underwater.
The researchers successfully evaluated this functionality by subjecting the robot to underwater testing.
Future gecko bots The researchers were pleased with the initial success of the bioinspired robot and explain future work will involve improving the locomotion speed, adhesion of the pads and stability of the hydrophobic coating.