Disney Research Zurich and Swiss technology institute ETH have developed a four-wheeled robot with integrated propellers that allow it to scale vertical surfaces (+ movie).
VertiGo is driven by a user like a remote-controlled car, but adjusts its propellers automatically in response to changes in the surrounding surfaces.
It can move from horizontal to vertical planes using the thrust provided from the propellers, which also help the vehicle to drive over rough materials like masonry.

"By transitioning from the ground to a wall and back again, VertiGo extends the ability of robots to travel through urban and indoor environments," said Paul Beardsley from Disney Research Zurich, who worked with a team from ETH on the project. "The robot is able to move on a wall quickly and with agility." The propellors are housed in the centre of the chassis. Each one is mounted within two concentric ring-shaped frames controlled by rotary motors known as servomotors, which allow for precise control.

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The motors allow both frames to move independently, so the propellors tilt with the robot's orientation.

"The choice of two propellers rather than one enables a floor-to-wall transition," Beardsley said.
"Thrust is applied both towards the wall using the rear propeller, and in an upward direction using the front propeller, resulting in a flip onto the w...