Gekkomat
Gekkomat is the name of a climbing device developed in Germany with the help of which a person can climb straight up on flat and curved, even mirror-smooth surfaces. The device was named after the geckos , who can climb smooth, vertical walls.
functionality
The Gekkomat consists of four computer-controlled, cushion-like adhesive effectors that function like suction cups and are attached to the climber's hands and feet. By artificially creating a negative pressure , the effectors adhere to a large number of surfaces. The climbable wall or ceiling can consist of rough and porous surfaces such as concrete, rough plaster, limestone or bricks as well as smooth materials such as glass or sheet metal. The effectors are able to carry a load of up to 1,600 kilograms for about half an hour.
The necessary negative pressure is generated according to the principle of the Venturi nozzle, similar to a water jet pump, by means of compressed air that is supplied from an air tank. The compressed air tank is carried like a rucksack on the climber's back. The compressed air flows out of the air tank so quickly that it pulls the air under the suction cups with it and creates a negative pressure between the effector and the wall. If an effector comes into direct contact with a surface, it automatically adheres when the device is switched on with the help of the computer control. The negative pressure is constantly checked and adjusted by four computers that are connected to each other and to the effectors via cables. In addition, visual and audible warning signals inform the user of the current weight limit of each effector.
During the climbing process, the user of the device only moves one limb upwards, while at the same time supporting himself with the other three effectors. This means that the sequence of movements corresponds to the natural climbing behavior of humans. The vertical movement takes place at a speed of approx. 4 meters per minute.
Media-effective uses of the device
The most prominent tester of the new climbing device was the science presenter Ranga Yogeshwar , who climbed a Düsseldorf skyscraper with the help of the effectors for an ARD report , but was no longer able to cope with the last few meters due to a computer defect. The ORF and the BBC also reported on the newly developed climbing device.