Robot teddy bear is new US weapon

A robot could soon be a soldier's best friend on the battlefield under a proposal being developed by the Pentagon.

The mechanical warrior, called Bear, looks like an oversized toy with a teddy bear's face. However, it can squeeze through doorways while carrying a wounded serviceman.



The 6ft-tall remote-controlled device can travel long distances over bumpy terrain and carry out the toughest assignments.

Bear, short for Battlefield Extraction-Assist Robot, is part of the new generation of "steel soldiers" being developed for Afghanistan and Iraq, reports New Scientist.

The prototype torso made out of steel can lift a 21-stone man with one arm. Its creator, Vecna Technologies, is now improving its lower body.