"Everybody knows me throughout the world
for my ascents climbing free solo without using safety devices,
just with my bare hands,
but this time the game was a bit different," Robert said .
He said the management had requested he wear the ropes and safety equipment,
which had also become necessary
due to rain making the windows and frames very slippery .
Robert said he was hopeful of returning to attempt the climb without any ropes .
The $1.7 billion Taipei 101 last year surpassed the twin Petronas Towers in Kuala Lumpur,
which Robert has also scaled, as the world's tallest building .
The shopping mall at the base of Taipei 101 has already opened for business,
but the building will be officially opened on New Year's eve.