Engineers in Italy have developed a wearable robot which they claim is the most sophisticated built in the world to date.

The "body extender" has been built by the Perceptual Robotics Laboratory (Percro) at Pisa's Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna.

The machine can enable users to lift up to 50kg in each extended hand, say its makers.

It could be developed to work in factories or to clear debris and rescue survivors in earthquake zones, they say.

The exoskeleton is one of many being developed around the world for manufacturing, therapeutic and military purposes.

Percro's Fabio Salsedo demonstrates how the machine works.

Video journalist: Neil Bowdler