A Magnetic-Footed Spider-Bot That Can Climb and Weld

The Diden Spider is a robot that has magnetic feet and can weld. Developed by South Korea’s Diden Robotics, the four-legged ‘bot uses electric pulses to switch its magnetic feet on and off; once attached to a surface, they draw no power. The robot was developed to tackle welding tasks in tricky places in a shipbuilding environment; it can stick to floors, walls and ceilings. It avoids the need to hoist a worker and their gear up into position. It can also navigate tricky obstacles en route to its welding task:Additionally, the company says it can be used for inspection. Diden is currently running trials with Spiders at three South Korean shipbuilders. Furthermore they’ve locked up a contract with a European shipbuilder, and expect to start mass production next year.