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Meet iRonCub3, World’s First Jet-powered Flying Humanoid Robot

In a groundbreaking development that bridges science fiction and real-world technology, the Italian Institute of Technology (IIT) has unveiled the world’s first jet-powered flying humanoid robot, named iRonCub3. This technological marvel, powered by artificial intelligence (AI) and jet propulsion systems, is designed not only to walk and interact like a human but also to take controlled flight — a feat never before accomplished by a humanoid robot in real-world conditions.

This historic achievement marks a major milestone in the world of robotics and aerospace engineering, promising new capabilities for search-and-rescue, disaster response, and operations in extreme or inaccessible environments.

The Birth of iRonCub3: Where Engineering Meets Imagination

iRonCub3 is not just another flying drone or robot; it represents the convergence of robotic mobility, advanced aerodynamics, and real-time AI control systems.

Developed as part of the Artificial and Mechanical Intelligence (AMI) Lab at IIT in Genoa, Italy, and led by Daniele Pucci, this humanoid robot has taken over two years of dedicated research, design, and testing. The goal? To create a robot that moves like a human but flies like a jetpack-equipped superhero.

This project builds upon previous work with the iCub humanoid platform — a robotic research tool widely used in Europe — but transforms it into something entirely new. The addition of four jet engines, aerodynamic redesigns, and AI control models has made iRonCub3 a symbol of the next frontier in robotics.

Jet Engines and Titanium Bones: Inside the Engineering Marvel

The robot is powered by four jet turbines — two mounted on its arms and two on a backpack-style jetpack. Each turbine can generate thrust strong enough to lift the robot, which weighs approximately 70 kilograms. Combined, they produce over 1000 newtons of force, allowing the robot to hover and execute controlled flights.

To support these engines, iRonCub3 has undergone serious structural changes, including:

  • A custom-built titanium spine for added strength.

  • Heat-resistant protective covers to withstand temperatures as high as 800°C.

  • High-performance actuators and sensors for stability and control.

These additions make the robot resilient enough to handle the harsh conditions involved in jet-powered flight.

Controlled Flight: How iRonCub3 Took Off

In its initial flight tests conducted at IIT’s facilities, iRonCub3 successfully lifted off to a height of approximately 50 centimeters. While that may sound modest, it's a huge leap forward for humanoid robotics. Unlike symmetrical drones, iRonCub3 has an irregular, human-like shape with movable arms and legs, making balance and control incredibly complex.

This challenge was tackled using an advanced AI-powered flight control system, capable of processing real-time aerodynamic data and adjusting movements with split-second precision.

The Role of AI and Deep Learning

The AI systems that make iRonCub3 fly were developed with help from Stanford University, where deep learning algorithms were trained to predict and manage complex aerodynamic behavior.

By analyzing data from:

  • Wind tunnel experiments at Polytechnic of Milan,

  • Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations, and

  • Real-world flight tests,

the AI can anticipate how the robot's limbs and body structure affect airflow and adjust the jet engines accordingly.

These neural networks are embedded within the robot’s flight control software, enabling it to:

  • Maintain posture and orientation during flight.

  • React to environmental factors like wind turbulence.

  • Adjust power output and body movements for optimal stability.

Overcoming Challenges: From Drones to Dynamic Humanoids

Traditional drones rely on a symmetrical and compact design for easy control and balance. iRonCub3, by contrast, is humanoid in structure, with a distributed and moving mass — arms, legs, and torso — which complicates flight dynamics dramatically.

This required a co-design process, where engineers optimized both the mechanical structure and the software systems in unison. The aim was to make sure every motion, from jet ignition to limb movement, supports flight stability.

According to Daniele Pucci:

“This research is radically different from traditional humanoid robotics. Thermodynamics, aerodynamics, and AI must work together in real-time.”

Safety First: Flying Robots Aren’t Toys

Flying humanoid robots, especially ones using jet turbines, come with significant safety concerns. High exhaust temperatures and high-speed airflow mean testing must be extremely controlled.

To safely expand testing, IIT has partnered with Genoa Airport, which will provide a dedicated and fully equipped experimental testing area. This will allow the team to test higher-altitude and more advanced flight maneuvers in compliance with aviation safety regulations.

Potential Applications: From Rescue Missions to Space

The creation of a flying humanoid robot isn't just a cool tech demo — it has the potential to revolutionize multiple industries:

1. Search and Rescue Operations

In disaster-struck areas where ground access is difficult or dangerous, iRonCub3 can fly into collapsed buildings or rough terrain, locate survivors, and even carry out basic rescue tasks.

2. Hazardous Environment Inspections

Whether it’s inspecting radioactive zones, chemical plants, or wildfire zones, iRonCub3 could become a critical tool for human safety, reducing the need to send people into high-risk areas.

3. Space and Planetary Exploration

The ability to both walk and fly is especially valuable in off-Earth missions. Imagine deploying a robot like iRonCub3 to explore Mars, navigating rocky terrains and then flying over large obstacles.

4. Aerial Human-Robot Interaction

Humanoid form makes robots more relatable and useful for interactions. Imagine a flying humanoid assistant guiding people in an emergency evacuation or delivering supplies during a flood.

What Makes iRonCub3 Unique?

Here are the standout features of iRonCub3:

Feature Description
Humanoid Shape Human-like proportions and movements
Jet Propulsion Four turbines with thrust >1000N
AI Control Real-time adjustment based on deep learning models
Advanced Materials Titanium spine, heat-shielded body
Dynamic Balance Complex multibody flight control system
Teleoperation Ready Designed to be remotely controlled

The Road Ahead: What’s Next?

The initial flights of iRonCub3 are just the beginning. Over the next few months, the research team will:

  • Test the robot’s flight capabilities in larger and open-air environments.

  • Refine control algorithms to handle complex mid-air maneuvers.

  • Experiment with autonomous navigation and obstacle avoidance.

  • Continue to co-develop applications with public safety, aerospace, and defense organizations.

Eventually, the team hopes to reach fully autonomous flight, allowing the robot to make decisions in real time based on its surroundings, mission objectives, and dynamic conditions.

Conclusion: A New Chapter in Robotics

The successful flight of iRonCub3 is more than a technological feat — it's a vision of the future becoming reality. The combination of AI, jet propulsion, and humanoid design opens new doors to robotic mobility, far beyond what wheels, legs, or rotors can offer alone.

With this milestone, the Italian Institute of Technology and its global collaborators have set a new benchmark, ushering in an era where robots won’t just walk among us — they’ll fly.

Reference: Paolino, A., Nava, G., Di Natale, F. et al. Learning aerodynamics for the control of flying humanoid robots. Commun Eng 4, 111 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1038/s44172-025-00447-w

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