Scientists unveil world’s first flying humanoid robot, iRonCub3 (Video)

Italian researchers from the Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT) have introduced iRonCub3 — the world’s first humanoid robot capable of controlled flight. In test footage, the robot lifts off to a height of around 50 cm while maintaining balance in the air. As reported by Interesting Engineering, this breakthrough marks a major advance in multimodal robotics, combining both terrestrial movement and aerial capabilities.

Design and Features of iRonCub3

Built upon the third-generation iCub humanoid robot, iRonCub3 weighs 70 kg and is equipped with four jet engines — two mounted on its arms and two in a backpack-like module. These engines generate over 1000 Newtons of thrust, with exhaust temperatures reaching up to 800°C. To protect the robot from extreme heat, engineers incorporated a titanium “spine” and heat-resistant coatings.

Flight control is managed remotely using artificial intelligence (AI), which adjusts engine output in real time to maintain stability. Unlike traditional drones with symmetrical designs, iRonCub3’s articulated limbs and elongated body create a constantly shifting aerodynamic profile. To address this, the team developed new control algorithms, including neural networks trained on both simulations and real-world test data.

Technical Challenges and Innovations

The development of iRonCub3 took two years and required a multidisciplinary effort. One of the greatest engineering challenges was stabilizing flight given the robot’s dynamic center of mass and moving limbs. IIT collaborated with Politecnico di Milano for aerodynamic testing in wind tunnels, and with Stanford University to develop advanced AI-based control systems.

Key innovations include:

• Real-time aerodynamic modeling,
• AI-integrated flight control systems to counter turbulence and limb motion,
• Co-design of the robot’s body and engines to optimize stability and maneuverability.

“This research is a radical departure from traditional humanoid robotics and has pushed us to make a significant leap forward,” said Daniele Pucci, head of IIT’s Artificial Intelligence Lab.

Testing and Future Applications

Initial testing was conducted in IIT’s laboratories, where iRonCub3 successfully hovered in place. The next phase involves trials in a dedicated test zone at Genoa Airport, developed in collaboration with Aeroporto di Genova. These field tests will evaluate the robot’s capabilities in more complex environments.

Beyond flying, iRonCub3 can also manipulate objects, making it a versatile tool for operations in hazardous environments. Future applications could include:

• Search-and-rescue missions in disaster zones,
• Exploration in toxic or hard-to-reach locations,
• Infrastructure repair in dangerous conditions requiring both flying and ground-level actions.

Impact on Robotics

The development of iRonCub3 marks a new era in multimodal robotics — machines that seamlessly transition between walking and flying. The project highlights the potential of AI and cutting-edge engineering to produce robots capable of operating where humans cannot. As research continues, robots like iRonCub3 could redefine the boundaries of mobility and functionality in robotics.