Engineers at Stanford University in California developed tiny robots that can carry objects that weigh 100 times more than their weight.
The engineers drew inspiration from geckos that have the ability to stick to surfaces, allowing them to climb walls without falling. It was last year when Oregon State University scientists discovered the secret of the gecko's climbing power.
A few months later, Stanford University started developing a climbing system, or adhesive equipment, that allows humans to scale walls like a superhero.
The mechanical engineers equipped the robots' feet with adhesives that are covered in rubber spikes. These spikes, similar to the toe hairs of the geckos, allows the robots to have a firm grip on the wall.
Aside from the gecko-like climbing ability, these robots are also capable of lifting loads that are 100 times heavier than them. Similar to an inchworm, the robot uses the sticky pad on one foot to move forward, while the others stay in place for support. This allows the robot to lift the heavy load without losing balance and falling off, the New Scientist reported.
For instance, a 9-gram robot can carry more than a kilogram while climbing.
The engineers believe that these tiny robots may pave the way for machines that can be used to lift heavy loads in factories or construction sites.
The tiny robots will be presented at the upcoming International Conference on Robotics and Automation in Seattle, Washington.
