March 27, 2008 4:15 AM PDT

Robots inspired by geckos

by Crave staff
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Gecko robots (Credit: CNET News.com)

From their hands and feet all the way down to their tails, the gecko is inspiring all sorts of robotics technology.

Researchers around the world are trying to mimic the adhesive qualities of their hands and feet to develop robots that can climb walls or navigate rough terrain. New studies have also shown that the gecko's tail acts as a fifth leg and helps stabilize the animal as it climbs.

News.com's Kara Tsuboi finds out that this discovery could help build more agile robots in the future. Click the image to see the video.

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by Laurel-LaFlamme February 28, 2009 7:30 PM PST
It is truly amazing that some of the tiniest creatures on Earth can become inspiration for our technological advances.
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