A Comprehensive Review of Wall‐Climbing Robots: Environmental Adaptation, Adhesion Mechanism, and Motion Control

ABSTRACT Wall‐climbing robots are increasingly used in hazardous, hard‐to‐reach environments for tasks such as crack detection, hull welding, and exterior surface cleaning. As a result, the development of wall‐climbing robots capable of robust environmental adaptation, reliable adhesion, and autonomous motion control has become an important research focus. This review first examines the environmental adaptability of wall‐climbing robots, highlighting their capabilities in wall‐to‐wall transitions, navigation across curved and irregular surfaces, and obstacle negotiation, all of which are critical to enhancing operational efficiency and reliability. Subsequently, the adhesion technologies employed by wall‐climbing robots are reviewed, with particular emphasis on negative‐pressure, magnetic, and bio‐inspired adhesion mechanisms. A comparative analysis of adhesion principles, performance metrics, and load‐bearing capabilities reported in existing studies is presented to identify suitable adhesion solutions for different operating environments and to improve stability during locomotion. Finally, critical challenges and research gaps are highlighted, and a systematic discussion is provided on the relationships between locomotion modes and adhesion mechanisms, as well as between autonomy and system maturity.