"The Wall Crawler has a fan built underneath the vehicle to create a "vortex attraction, " which creates a low-pressure vacuum that works in both air and water to hold the robot to the wall. Researchers are optimistic about the Wall Crawler's underwater capabilities. So much so, the Defense Advanced Research Project Agency has stopped funding a strictly underwater robot. "

 

from http://www.dcmilitary.com/army/pentagram/8_39/features/25612-1.html

 

hi everyone, i just want to ask if anyone knows what's vortex attraction and how it works? i intend to do it for my physics project... thx alot.

it sounds a bit similar to the "Cyclonic action" used in `Dyson` vacuum cleaners, the vortex created in the graduated conical cylindar works on a similar principal to a Tornado, creating an anti-pressure region which is then exploited for it`s suction power.

I`ve no more details though, sorry

sounds like a good vacuum cleaner

well.the robot didnt look like i thought it would we got along way to go till terminator,looks like a serious remote control to drive it though!