World’s First Jet-Powered Humanoid Robot Takes Flight Over Italy
In a jaw-dropping leap forward for robotics and aerospace technology, the iRonCub3 has officially taken to the skies. Developed by the Italian Institute of Technology (IIT), this is the world’s first jet-powered humanoid robot, capable of lifting off the ground, maintaining flight stability, and performing in extreme environments.
Engineered for the Impossible
iRonCub3 is the third-generation evolution of the iCub humanoid robot. Unlike traditional robots or drones, this machine:
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Weighs around 154 pounds (70 kg)
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Generates over 225 pounds of thrust
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Uses four jet turbines—two on its arms, two on its backpack
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Endures heat up to 800°C (1472°F) with titanium-reinforced structure
It’s not just a robot—it’s a flying humanoid system engineered for missions where ground access is dangerous or impossible.
“We made it fly like Iron Man,” said lead researcher Daniele Pucci, head of the Artificial and Mechanical Intelligence Lab at IIT.
Breakthroughs in Control and Artificial Intelligence
Achieving flight in a humanoid robot is no small feat. Unlike quadcopters, humanoid forms have dynamic mass distributions and irregular aerodynamics.
To make flight possible, the IIT team:
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Developed real-time aerodynamic estimators
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Collaborated with Stanford University for machine learning integration
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Ran tests with Politecnico di Milano in wind tunnels
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Designed AI-powered neural controllers for balance and precision
This hybrid control system adapts mid-air, managing unpredictable turbulence and maintaining posture—even during limb movements.
How It Works: Co-Design Architecture
Key innovations that made iRonCub3 a success:
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Flight Control Algorithms: Adjusts thrust dynamically based on position
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Heat-Resistant Design: Titanium spine and outer insulation layers
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Thrust Sensors & Neural Networks: Manage take-off, hover, and landing
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Simulated Training: AI trained using experimental + synthetic data
This co-design allowed researchers to optimize the robot’s frame and engine placement, increasing both efficiency and stability.
Real-World Testing and Results
The iRonCub3 was first tested indoors at IIT’s Genoa facility, where it successfully:
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Lifted vertically off the ground
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Hovered mid-air with active balancing
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Demonstrated safe automated landing
The next phase includes outdoor testing at Genoa Airport, in collaboration with Aeroporto di Genova.
Future Applications: Rescue, Space, and Beyond
Where could a jet-powered humanoid robot be used?
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🚨 Disaster Zones: Earthquakes, collapsed structures, and toxic environments
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🪐 Space Missions: Exploring planets or space stations where human presence is risky
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🔬 Scientific Research: Remote sample collection or operation of equipment
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🔥 Firefighting: Navigating through smoke-filled, high-temperature zones
This tech could redefine what’s possible in robotic mobility and AI-powered exploration.
Publication and Research Access
The full research findings were published in Nature Communications Engineering, detailing the robot’s co-design methods, control models, and performance benchmarks.
Also Read
🔗 AI Humanoid Robots: Are They Coming for Jobs or Just Helping Humans?
🔗 Learn more from the official Italian Institute of Technology website
