“Gekkomat”, invented by German Gerald Winkler, is an invention that enables a person to climb virtually any smooth surface. Intended to be used for rescue work and inaccessible window cleaning, it will even stick to porous surfaces like concrete, plaster board, and er, Limestone. It works by attaching suction cups to hands and feet, each of which can hold 250 kilograms (550 lbs). They are driven by compressed air piped from a canister that the climber wears on the back. The one drawback is its weight, a hefty 30 kilograms. Reported on bbc.co.uk
