NASA robot set to help in disasters

NASA scientists have designed an ape-like robot that can go into places dangerous for human rescuers and execute tasks such as lifting debris off survivors.

The RobotSimian has four identical limbs that work as arms and legs.

Together, they move the robot across rough terrain and rubble but can also pick up and manipulate objects, CNN reported.

Developed by NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, it has wheels it can coast on if the surface is smooth enough.

The RoboSimian is NASA's entry into the DARPA Robotics Challenge that will choose the best emergency response robot in June 2015.

During the competition, RoboSimian will compete with 18 other finalists to make his way through an obstacle course that simulates eight common scenarios.

Each robot will try to drive a car, move across rubble, use a tool and climb stairs without any human control.

The winning team will receive a $2 million prize.