Homemade Robot Propelled Rickshaw

The sight of a farmer being pulled along in a cart by a walking robot would stop most people in their tracks. However, Mr. Wu Yulu's neighbors on the outskirts of Beijing are used to the spectacle. The 48-year-old has achieved worldwide fame after inventing and building 47 robots in his backyard out of scrap metal. They can perform functions as varied as jumping, painting, drinking, massaging and, of course, pulling carts.

He started his unusual hobby in 1986 and has continued ever since, despite taking on huge debts, being sprayed with battery acid, and risking his marriage. But now Mr. Yulu's perseverance has paid off. He has been invited to display more than 30 of his robots during the Shanghai World Expo 2010, where he will promote the practical uses of his robots.

The inventor has already received a string of prizes and contracts with universities