Removing a car from a particular location was once only possible by way of a tow-truck. But not now.

A new Greek-designed system called Avert uses tiny robots that slip under the wheels of a vehicle and then move it away.

Each robot has the dimensions of a block of A4 paper, with two needed to lift each wheel. The machines are attached to a deployment unit which scans the immediate area for obstacles and then sets a route.

But for those concerned that such a technology could be used to remove car park over-stayers, there is no need to worry. The most likely application for the system will be as a piece of equipment for bomb disposal teams.

The technology could help authorities remove vehicles that are suspected of containing explosives from within buildings. It may be especially useful if a vehicle cannot be easily accessed because it is shielded or blocked by another object.

Called Avert (‘Autonomous Multi-Robot System for Vehicle Extraction and Transportation'), each robot is fitted with an array of sensors including a laser and cameras.

The technology has been developed by a European consortium led by Democritus University of Thrace in Greece. Having been initiated in 2012 the invention will be displayed at the International Conference on Robotics and Automation (ICRA2015) on May 26th to 30th in Seattle.

According to the boffins behind the system, it could also be used to remove cars parked in enclosed spaces or assisting with the manoeuvre of a vehicle in car parks – without the need for a driver.

There has been no mention of the technology being used by car park firms to deal with over-stayers!