Robot police officers will be patrolling our streets in just five years, an expert has predicted.

The real-life ‘robocops’ will be able to detect, pursue and apprehend suspects, according to Professor Ivan Sun, from the University of Delaware.

Forces across the world are already struggling to keep on top of mounting crime, specialist criminal networks and an ever–depleted police force, he explained.

Humanoid robots are already in use in China – and Professor Sun expects it won’t be long until the idea catches on.

By 2031, he predicts robot police officers will have the capability to use facial recognition to find criminals, chase after and detain them.

While they would likely need a human partner to accompany them, they would be extremely useful in dangerous situations, he explained.

‘The sky is really the limit. Take a robbery, for instance – they could really take control of the scene,’ he said.

‘They could chase you for five miles and they won’t get tired. At the same time, while they are chasing the suspect, they can scan the suspect’s bio and characteristics. Their AI can detect from 200 metres away if the suspect has a weapon or not. A human officer would not be able to do that.’

Read more: Real–life Robocop! Robot police officers will be patrolling the streets by 2031