Abstract: The invention relates to a novel configuration of a transport means (5) for a controlled, striding motion along a substrate (14), having several striding elements each comprising a standing or foot element capable of being lowered and raised, respectively, for placement in contact with and removal from contact with the said substrate by means of a lift element (12) in a first axial direction, and having servo links (10) acting between the striding elements (9) to generate a linear relative motion in each instance between two striding elements (9) within a preassigned travel in an axis of motion.