China's Xinjiang deploys robot to inspect underground power network

The robot can also identify safety risks with sensors detecting the temperature, humidity and the concentration of toxic and combustible gases.

Zhou said they previously sent two or three staffers every 15 days to inspect the power grid, which was time-consuming and laborious and exposed the inspectors to risks such as fire and gas poisoning.

"The robot reduces risks and saves time, as it's 25 times more efficient than human inspectors," Zhou said, adding that he expects to see the inspection robot used for Xinjiang's underground natural gas and communication networks.

Mao Weihua contributed to this story.