World’s first flying humanoid robot takes off

Developed by the Italian Institute of Technology (IIT), the 70-kilogram robot lifted off the ground by about 50 centimeters during indoor trials, combining AI, aerodynamic control systems, and human-like body motion to stay balanced mid-air, according to tech site Interesting Engineering.

The robot features four jet engines, two on its arms and two mounted on a backpack unit, designed to keep it stable in the air, even in turbulent conditions. Its titanium spine supports its structure and withstands the 800°C exhaust from the turbines, while heat-resistant coverings shield critical components.

"This research is radically different from traditional humanoid robotics and forced us to make a substantial leap forward with respect to the state of the art," Daniele Pucci, head of the Artificial and Mechanical Intelligence Lab at IIT, said.

"Testing these robots is as fascinating as it is dangerous, and there is no room for improvisation."

The team’s findings on aerodynamics and control systems were published Wednesday in the journal Nature.

Unlike standard drones, which are compact and symmetrical, iRonCub3 has a longer torso and movable limbs, creating shifting aerodynamics and a dynamic center of mass. To address this, researchers developed real-time flight control models and aerodynamic estimators, according to Tech Xplore.

IIT collaborated with the Polytechnic of Milan for wind tunnel testing and with Stanford University for machine learning integration. These AI systems help the robot adapt to changing airflow and limb positions, enabling it to manage complex transitions during takeoff, such as sequential jet ignition and structural movements.

The project took two years to develop. Initial flight tests were conducted in IIT’s indoor lab, while future tests are planned at a dedicated flight zone at Italy’s Genoa Airport.

Researchers say humanoid flying robots like iRonCub3 could be used in search-and-rescue missions, hazardous environment inspections, and exploratory operations that require both aerial mobility and the ability to manipulate objects.