The Defense Ministry and Information and Communication Ministry will develop a "patrol robot" for use in military and civic affairs by 2012.

The Agency for Defense Development on Wednesday said the robots will replace patrol guards and infantrymen sent to dangerous areas and soldiers performing mine sweeping operations.

More than 33 billion won will go into the project by 2012 as the first phase investment.

The government will also develop by 2020 an unmanned combat system comprising separate robots for use in light and heavy war missions.