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Villagers in Surabaya successfully turned electronic scraps and home appliances into a homemade robot.

Named after the Covid-19 variant sweeping throughout Indonesia, the Delta Robot is made up of, among other items, a rice cooker, a computer monitor and a toy car.

It has a battery life of 12 hours and can be controlled using a remote control.

The Delta Robot can also spray disinfectant, deliver food and entertain those who are self-isolating in their own homes, according to media reports.

It also greets residents "assalamualaikum" (peace be upon you) and tells them to "stay safe".

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According to Reuters, Aseyanto, who heads the project, said that he decided to "turn the robot into one used for public services such as to spray disinfectant, deliver food and meet the needs of residents who are self-isolating".

Tempo news outlet reported that there were two prototypes of the robot, but they were unable to travel long distances.

In another interview with an Indonesian media outlet, Antara News, Aseyanto said that he hoped the robot will bring cheer and joy to residents.

"At least every night we will turn operate the robot as an entertainment for the residents here," he said.

Surabaya's Smart Village

It was no surprise that the Delta Robot was developed in the village of Tembok Gede in Surabaya. 

The village was dubbed a "Smart Village" for its ground-up innovative initiatives to recycle electronic scraps.

Kumparan reported other self-funded developments in the village with include a two metre solar-powered robot that was made from unused lamps, television, and motorcycle helmet.

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This robot, different from the Delta Robot, waves its robotic hands and welcomes people to the village.

The villagers hope that their initiatives could be an inspiration to other villages in Indonesia, the report added.

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Top images by Juni Kriswanto/AFP via Getty Images