A Novel Wall Climbing Robot Based on Bernoulli Effect

Abstract

It is a challenge for mobile robots to climb a vertical wall primarily due to requirements for reliable locomotion, high manoeuvrability, and robust and efficient attachment and detachment. Such robots have immense potential to automate tasks which are currently accomplished manually, offering an extra degree of human safety in a cost effective manner. In contrast to vacuum suction, magnetic adhesion, and dry techniques used existing wall climbing robots, Canterbury's research effort focuses on a novel approach which achieves attachment and detachment based on Bernoulli effect. The adhesion force is achieved on a variety of surfaces, independent on the material of the wall and surface conditions. Such ubiquitous mobility with a force/weight ratio as high as 5 is nearly impossible to be achieved by other adhesion methods.