The 3.5-meter high robot Enryu may soon be helping communities across Japan reach avalanche sites and clear snow.

Tmsuk originally developed Enryu -- or "rescue dragon" in Japanese -- as a robot to assist in earthquake rescue operations. The model has two hydraulically operated arms with a reach of 5 meters, each capable of lifting 500 kilograms. In the tests, Enryu successfully lifted a car from deep snow and simulated knocking ice and snow off rooftops with the help of a sophisticated. Fitted with seven cameras and mounted on a tread similar to a military tank, Enryu can also be operated by remote control to reach hazardous areas. The Kyushu-based company hopes to unveil a finished version by next year. [via wemakemoneynotart]