An Iron Man-style robot is designed to help during natural disasters by walking through rubble and using its propulsion backpack to fly over difficult terrain.
The robot, called iCub, was developed by experts at the Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT) in Genoa, Italy.
Robotic systems in the iCub's palms will allow it to control power and direction as it flies through the air using thrusters.
The iCub's modest size - just 1 meter - and propulsion capabilities will allow it to reach points where humans or drones cannot reach in search of human survivors.
It reminds you of the Iron Man 'armor' worn by the Marvel Comics character Tony Stark.
According to experts at IIT, the field of robotics still lags behind in terms of providing affordable solutions to disaster scenarios.
"Every year, about 300 natural disasters kill about 90,000 people and affect 160 million people worldwide," the institute's website states.
'Unfortunately, robotics still lags behind in providing affordable solutions in these disaster scenarios.'
iCub has been in development for over 15 years.
At 104 cm tall, it is the size of a five-year-old child and comes with a slightly scary, doll-like face.
The IIT team has been working on robotics for the past 15 years, with the aim of pushing Italy forward in this sector.
A video simulation by experts shows how human operators can remotely use the software to move the iCub around a disaster scenario. /Telegraph/
