Although lots of robots have been built that can climb, the inventors of ROCR claim that theirs is more efficient and uses less energy.

ROCR works by swinging its battery on a pendulum, which helps it to swing itself up to higher areas. Two claws help it to grip onto a carpeted test surface.

Climbing robots are used for inspecting and maintaining bridges and dams, or even as surveillance tools by the military. However, they have mainly been designed to be stable and not fall off. This new design from the University of Utah is one of the first to look at ways of making the climbing action more efficient. By increasing the efficiency, a robot can either perform tasks for longer or carry out jobs that they were previously unable to do.

Watch the video below to see ROCR in action.

Image by William Provancher, The University of Utah