Mechanism and application of the adsorption mode for wall-climbing robots

ObjectiveHigh-altitude wall operations carry inherent risks, and accidents can lead to economic loss and casualties. Wall-climbing robots were utilized as a substitute for human labour presents an effective solution. The stability of the adhesion mechanism in wall-climbing robots significantly impacts their reliability and efficiency, making the study of adhesion technology a crucial aspect of their design. Research on the adhesion mechanisms of wall-climbing robots and their applications lacks a systematic comparative analysis. [Analysis] The adhesion mechanisms and research progress of several standard adhesion methods—magnetic adhesion, negative pressure adhesion, electrostatic adhesion, and biomimetic adhesion were introduced, and their application scenarios were compared. Each adhesion method’s advantages, disadvantages, and future prospects were analyzed. The adhesion methods of commonly used wall-climbing robots were analyzed, summarized, compared, and forecasted, aiming to provide valuable guidance for future research on wall-climbing robots.