Researchers from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) have designed a four-legged robot after the cheetah, Fox News Reported.

In cooperation with the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), MIT created a robot that could reach running speeds of up to 30 mph.

Amazingly, the robot can jump and run on its own without support frames or long cables connecting it to an external power source.

According to Sangbae Kim, an associate professor of mechanical engineering at the university, the secret behind the robot's running ability lies in its four legs.

Each leg has been programmed to produce an exact amount of force once it touches the ground. The movements of the four legs are controlled by an algorithm. A customized high-torque density electric motor mounted inside the body provides power to the robot, according to International Business Times.

Based on the results of tests involving a treadmill and an indoor track, the "cheetah-bot" runs at an average speed of 10 mph. Adjusting the programming of its legs to produce more force can increase its speed to around 30 mph, LA Times reported.

According to Kim, due to the robot's agility and speed, it can be used for rescue and recovery operations.

"Our goal is to use this kind of robot to save lives in a disaster situation," he said. "It could be used to help fire fighters or police in a dangerous situation."

"One situation that comes to mind is a wildfire," he added. "Robots like this could carry water, hose down a fire, move into areas that would be dangerous for a human."

In order to improve its rescue abilities, Kim said he and his team are planning on installing mechanical clamps or hands on the robot so it could move objects or open doors.

"Our robot can run and walk and drag things, but it can't manipulate anything," he said. "A new version might be a little slower, but could perform more complex movements."

"In the future, I expect to see these robots be useful," Kim added. "I expect to see them in fire stations."

Check out the robotic cheetah in action in the clip below.