An alternative to bolting up dome pits?!
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Gekkomat Enables You to Climb Like a Gecko
http://www.gizmag.com/go/1547/ (Go here to see photos)
Forget ladders, ropes, grappling hooks and cherry-pickers, if you need to go vertical just do as a Gekko does. Inspired by the climbing prowess of its natural namesake, the "gekkomat" - meaning "automatic lizard-climber" - is an autonomous machine that enables the wearer to traverse walls, ceilings and overhangs by using intuitive movements and without drawing on external energy sources.
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The system transforms normal compressed air from tanks carried on the user's back into a powerful vacuum via electronically controlled venturi-nozzles in the "foot-pads". An on-board computer constantly monitors and adjusts the pressure in each pad and ensures that at least three remain pressurised at any given time. A display on each pad also provides information on vacuum levels plus pneumatic and electrical energy reserves and as further safety back-up, warning alarms are activated if a minimum vacuum level is not achieved within two seconds of placing the pad. To move around the user simply pulls upward on the relevant limb and the suction is automatically released. This makes movement using the device more intuitive and natural so it's easier to learn.
It's not just for wiry rock-climbing types. The gekkomat can carry a ton of load capacity and a tank full of compressed air delivers a climbing time of up to two hours. The unit itself weighs about 25 kg and the tanks are similar in size to the ones worn by fire fighters. Hands can be freed-up for other tasks once at elevation using stay ropes connected to a chest belt.
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