Palscience

Using Electroadhesive technology SRI International invented multi-function climbing robots for security/military, inspection, and service applications. Natural disaster, military action and public safety threats have led scientists to make use of the Electroadhesive technology and create robust robots especially ones that can travel across complex terrain in any dimension.

According to SRI ” Electroadhesive technology involves inducing electrostatic charges on a wall substrate using a power supply connected to compliant pads situated on the moving robot. SRI has demonstrated robust clamping to common building materials including glass, wood, metal, concrete, etc. with clamping pressures in the range of 0.5 to 1.5 N per square cm of clamp (0.8 to 2.3 pounds per square inch). The technology works on conductive and non-conductive substrates, smooth or rough materials, and through dust and debris.”

For future planes, SRI is hoping to build a human robot that can climb a wall, and and a service robot for cleaning windows, walls and buildings.

Source - SRI International