Abstract
In recent years, robots that can substitute for humans in dangerous activities, contributing to safety, cost reduction and efficiency have been developed. For example, a wall-climbing robot can clean and inspect high places, and approach disaster sites where a person cannot reach. In this study, the locomotion of snails is used as an effective wall-climbing mechanism. A snail moves by generating travelling waves with its muscle elasticity and propagating the wave in the direction of movement. Since this locomotion mechanism is in contact with a large area of ground, it is extremely stable. This is advantageous in climbing unstable walls. The proposed robot uses several Dual Hoekens linkages for locomotion and a fan to adhere to the wall by suction. We confirmed that this robot successfully climbs wall.
