A flexible multifunctional bionic robot that can climb walls, cross over obstacles, and stick to surfaces has been successfully developed by Chinese scientists, according to the Second Academy of China Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation, China News reported on Nov. 21.

The robot, weighing 5 kilograms with a length of less than 1 meter, can be used to carry out scanning, detecting, and monitoring tasks on surfaces of ships, vessels, and oil tanks, according to the academy.

The research project was established in 2016, when most glass walls of office buildings were cleaned by humans, which is both difficult and dangerous. The research team hopes that its robot can help solve this problem.

The research team will continue to optimize the design of the robot, improve the integration level, and equip it with other functions, including visual navigation. The robot is expected to enter the market in 2018.