Abstract: A magnetic climbing system comprising a plurality of magnet units adapted to be attached to the body of a user or to a robot or robot platform is described. The magnet units each comprise a permanent magnet unit for generating an attractive force between the magnet unit and a ferrous or magnetic structure. The magnet units further comprise an electromagnet arranged to operate in a first and a second state thereby generating a different magnetic flux leaving the magnet unit (and thus required for generating the attractive force). As such, the magnetic climbing system as described enables the generation of larger attractive forces, compared to known climbing systems. As a consequence, the climbing system according to the present invention may pose less stringent conditions to the friction coefficient of the surface that is climbed. It also creates the possibility of ceiling walking.

Abstract: A magnetic climbing system comprising a plurality of magnet units adapted to be attached to the body of a user or to a robot or robot platform is described. The magnet units each comprise a permanent magnet unit for generating an attractive force between the magnet unit and a ferrous or magnetic structure. The magnet units further comprise an electromagnet arranged to operate in a first and a second state thereby generating a different magnetic flux leaving the magnet unit (and thus required for generating the attractive force). As such, the magnetic climbing system as described enables the generation of larger attractive forces, compared to known climbing systems. As a consequence, the climbing system according to the present invention may pose less stringent conditions to the friction coefficient of the surface that is climbed. It also creates the possibility of ceiling walking.