A team of researchers from Stanford University in California have developed a new technology that enables humans to climb-up walls like a gecko.

The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) had previously developed a similar technology as part of the Z-Man program. Its technology uses hand held pads to allow a person to climb glass walls.

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Matt Goodman, DARPA's manager for the Z-Man program, said their program aims to reproduce the climbing ability of a gecko.

Geckos are lizards found in warm climates around the world. They have special adhesion capabilities that allow their toes to stick to a surface without any liquids. Goodman calls them champion climbers of the Animal Kingdom.

The Biomimetics and Dexterous Manipulation Laboratory at Stanford University aims to replicate the same adhesion capability. They used an adhesive that consists of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS).

The team then integrated the adhesive with a hexagonal plate along with a handle. The adhesive detaches itself from the surface according to hand movements. This enables the user to move along the surface areas of a wall.

The team is currently testing the new technology. Reports claim DARPA intends to use this kind of technology as a replacement for ropes and ladders. It can be used to assist war fighters during their missions.

TagsStanford University, Climb, Wall, DARPA, Z-Man program, Gecko, polydimethylsiloxane, PDMS, Adhesive, U.S.