adhesive directly from our geckos climb. >> reporter: the feet are equipped with rubber pads made up of microscopic hairs, much like a gecko. each leg is powered by four minimotors. even the tail acts as an anchor and helps balance the bot. this research funded partly by the department of defense isn't just to create a cool new toy. >> adhesives have been looked at everything for space exploration to military uses to manufacturing uses. the robotic research is very important because we want to be able to send robots into challenging environments. it is really about making robots go anywhere we want them to go. >> reporter: and beyond the robots, researchers say there's interest in gecko-inspired boots and gloves. one day we might even see military troops or firefighters scaling walls just like the super hero from the movie ""spider-man" gary tuchman, cnn. >> yes, but can they sell you insurance? top stories right after the break. stay with us. it's a motion line of furniture