Here's an excerpt from a recent news article:
"The Robotics and Mechanisms Laboratory (RoMeLa) of the College of Engineering at Virginia Tech
won the grand prize at the 2008 International Capstone Design Fair with a trio of pole-climbing serpentine robots designed to take the place of construction workers tasked with dangerous jobs such as inspecting high-rises or underwater bridge piers.
....The robots were developed by mechanical engineering students Gabriel Goldman of Richmond, Va., and Nick Thayer of Poquoson, Va., who are both currently pursuing mechanical engineering doctoral degrees at Virginia Tech."
http://ohsonline.com/Articles/2008/1...n-Workers.aspx
Way to go, Gabe!