Google's Schaft robot leads Darpa Robotics Challenge

A robot designed by Schaft, a Japanese start-up, was the top scorer in a series of challenges set by the Pentagon's Darpa research unit.

A total of 16 teams took part in two days of rescue-themed tasks - including moving debris, walking over uneven objects and drilling a hole in a wall - at the Homestead Miami Speedway racetrack in Florida.

The Google-owned firm will now progress to the finals, which will be held towards the end of 2014.