While the original RoboCop from the 1987 film, a superhuman cyborg law enforcer, could hunt down murderous criminals, the real-life version will be tackling more straightforward misdemeanours.

The first robot police officer will be on patrol in the wealthy United Arab Emirates city by May this year, Dubai Police have confirmed.

Members of the public will be able to report crimes to the multilingual police robot using a touchscreen on its chest.

The friendly robot, which can salute and shake hands, can also be used by members of the public to pay traffic fines and submit paperwork.