Hopes of unlocking the secrets of the Pharaohs have hit an obstacle after a robot sent into the heart of Egypt's Great Pyramid in Giza has found its way barred.
With audiences watching on live television, the miniature robot - dubbed the Pyramid Rover - crawled about 65 metres (71 yards) up a narrow tunnel to explore a mysterious shaft blocked by a limestone door.
When it got to the door, it drilled a hole and inserted a fibre optic camera to film what lies beyond.
But the crafty pyramid builders have kept their secrets from prying eyes because the chamber was blocked by yet another door - not seen for more than 4,000 years.
The 12-centimetre (five inch) tall robot, may yet return for another crack at the mysteries of the Pharaohs.
'Successful mission'
Zahi Hawass, the director of Egypt's Supreme Council of Antiquities (SCA), said the next job for researchers was to study the footage and plan for further inspections, which
could take up to 12 months.
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