Enryu returns to battle blizzards
![](https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/b2em7vEG6nY3jY8kCqorbA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTcwNTtoPTUxOQ--/https://s.yimg.com/uu/api/res/1.2/Kn_MjDvumgeBwysN.sF9nw--~B/aD0zMTM7dz00MjU7YXBwaWQ9eXRhY2h5b24-/http://www.engadget.com/media/2006/02/enryurobot.jpg)
When we last caught sight of Enryu -- the 5-ton, 11.5-foot rescue robot designed by Japan's Tmsuk -- the fearless bot was being tested for deployment to earthquake zones. Now the iron giant has a new mission: rescuing survivors of avalanches and other winter disasters (Japan is currently going through one of its worst winters on record). The bot's hydraulic arms have a 16-foot span, and can lift over 1,000 pounds. In a test, Enryu was able to lift a car out of deep snow and wipe snow and ice off of rooftops. All we have to say is, we're glad Enryu's on our side -- let's hope he stays there.