Magnecko
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Magnecko is a quadrupedal magnetic climbing robot designed for industrial inspection and maintenance in hard-to-reach environments. The robot features four identical legs with insect-style joint configuration and electro-permanent magnetic feet that enable adhesion to ferrous surfaces in any orientation, including vertical walls and horizontal overhangs. With 12 actuated degrees of freedom and high manipulability, Magnecko can traverse complex three-dimensional environments, overcome concave 90° corners, and carry payloads up to 65% of its own weight. Primary applications include inspection of industrial tanks, ship hulls, bridges, and tall metal structures where human access is hazardous or difficult.
Quick Overview & Key Facts
Magnecko is a robot made by ETH Zurich (Robotic Systems Lab) in Switzerland, launched in 2024 and built for industrial inspection of tall metal structures (tanks, ship hulls, bridges), surveillance on steel constructions, and and autonomous maintenance in hazardous environments.. Featured in “Magnecko Conquers Disaster Sites in ARCHE 2025 Trials”.
- Dimensions
- 50 cm x 50 cm x 20 cm
- Weight
- 11.3 kg
- Mobility
- Legged (Quadrupedal) with magnetic adhesion.
- Payload capacity
- Inspection sensors (NDT), manipulators, and tools up to 7.5 kg (at least 65% of its body weight).
- Battery runtime
- 2–4 hours of active locomotion
- Charging time
- 2.5 hours
- Sensors
- Front-facing depth camera (Realsense-style), IMU (Microstrain GX3), joint encoders, and custom magnetic sensors for adhesion monitoring.
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Robot Specifications
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Not yet published by ETH Zurich (Robotic Systems Lab): update method.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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Q1. What is Magnecko, and what problem is it designed to solve?
Magnecko is a quadrupedal robot developed by ETH Zurich's Robotic Systems Lab. It addresses access challenges in hard-to-reach ferrous environments, such as industrial tanks, ship hulls, and bridges, for inspection and maintenance tasks.
Q2. What are the main capabilities and key features of Magnecko?
Magnecko features magnetic feet for adhesion to ferrous surfaces in any orientation, insect-style legs with high range of motion, and custom actuators. It transitions between ground, walls, ceilings, and corners autonomously along operator-set paths.
Q3. Who is Magnecko built for, and which industries can benefit from it?
Magnecko targets industrial inspection and maintenance applications. Sectors like manufacturing, maritime, and infrastructure can use it for tasks on steel structures where human access is hazardous.
Q4. Is Magnecko a commercial product or still a research prototype?
Magnecko remains a research platform developed by ETH Zurich students and the Robotic Systems Lab. It serves as a testbed for advancing legged climbing locomotion technologies.
Q5. Is Magnecko currently available for purchase, and when is it expected to ship?
As of 2026, Magnecko is not commercially available for purchase. It functions as a research prototype with no announced shipping timeline.
Q6. How does Magnecko actually work in real-world environments?
Magnecko uses electro-permanent magnetic feet on ferrous surfaces, controlled via wireless operator input for path following. It employs spring-loaded pads for traction and custom joints for navigating complex structures.
Q7. When was Magnecko announced or officially launched?
Magnecko was developed and presented by ETH Zurich engineering students in 2023. Project details appeared in a 2024 arXiv paper on its design and control.
Q8. How is Magnecko different from other robots in the same category?
Magnecko employs an insect-style joint configuration with 12 actuated degrees of freedom and custom 18
Q9. Does Magnecko require additional development or customization after purchase?
As a research prototype, Magnecko undergoes ongoing subsystem improvements in hardware, control, and perception by ETH Zurich. No purchase process exists, but adaptations like payloads are in development.
Q10. What is the future roadmap or planned upgrades for Magnecko?
ETH Zurich plans enhancements to actuators, magnetic feet, and add-ons like inspection tools. Efforts target improved autonomous climbing, 3D perception, navigation, and applications in maintenance and surveillance.
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