A robot, the size of a briefcase, has been introduced by the UK Border Agency to nab illegal immigrants trying to cross into the country.


Fitted with powerful searchlights and high-resolution video cameras, the robot -- codenamed Hero -- carries out detailed searches of the undersides of lorries and coaches.


The battery-powered robot, costing about 6,000 pounds (Rs 511,536), is used inside vehicles as its four-wheel drive enables it to scramble over obstacles while looking for concealed people.


The news of the new device is revealed only days after a group of stowaways were found entering the country hidden on Army vehicles.


British border guards at Calais have tested the robot and senior officials may introduce the device at other ports.


A spokesman for the UK Border Agency said: "Last year over one million lorries were searched and we stopped a record 18,000 people.


"New technology is crucial in the fight against illegal immigrants."