Researchers at the Italian Institute of Technology (IIT) have demonstrated the first flight of a jet-powered humanoid robot named iRonCub3. According to a peer-reviewed paper published in Nature Communications Engineering, the robot achieved a stable lift-off of approximately 50 centimeters, marking a milestone in the development of aerial humanoid robotics.
The flight demonstration, conducted at IIT’s research facilities in Genoa, is the result of a two-year project combining robotics, thermodynamics, aerodynamics, and artificial intelligence. The research involved collaboration with the Polytechnic of Milan, where wind tunnel tests were performed, and Stanford University, where deep learning models were developed to enhance aerodynamic modeling.
iRonCub3 is based on the iCub3 humanoid platform and integrates four jet engines—two mounted on its arms and two on a jetpack—capable of generating over 1000 N of thrust. The robot weighs approximately 70 kilograms and includes design modifications such as a titanium spine and heat-resistant shielding to manage temperatures reaching up to 800 degrees Celsius.
Engineers at the Artificial and Mechanical Intelligence (AMI) Lab at IIT developed new control models to address the robot’s dynamic balance and complex aerodynamics, which are influenced by its humanoid morphology and movable limbs. Neural networks, trained on simulation and experimental data, are embedded in the robot’s control system to ensure stability during flight.
The research team also applied a co-design process to simultaneously optimize the robot’s mechanical structure and control algorithms. This approach enabled the integration of multi-physics considerations, such as heat dissipation and thrust vectoring, into the overall design.
Future testing of iRonCub3 will take place in a dedicated area at Genoa Airport, established through a partnership between the airport and IIT. The ongoing experimental campaigns aim to explore potential applications for flying humanoid robots, including search and rescue, hazardous environment inspection, and missions requiring both mobility and manipulation capabilities.
Video/photo: IIT-Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia
