"Its speed will help us get to casualties quicker and it's quite a mean rescue tool, " added Mr Pace.

BBC: Moelfre lifeboat RNLB Kiwi unveiled after ?2.2m bequest

To speed rescue efforts, engineers at Sandia National Laboratories have developed a robot that would eliminate some of the unknowns of mine rescue operations and arm first responders with the most valuable tool: information.

ENGADGET: Gemini-Scout robot can scope out mining accidents, may save lives (video)