The Italian Institute of Technology (IIT) has revolutionized the field of humanoid robotics with the remarkable first flight of iRonCub3, the world’s inaugural jet-powered flying humanoid robot. Designed to navigate real-world environments, this innovative robot has successfully lifted off the ground by approximately 50 cm while maintaining stability.
This groundbreaking achievement has been two years in the making, as a dedicated research team meticulously studied complex aerodynamics and developed an advanced control model for a multi-part system. Their work showcases the incredible potential of combining terrestrial locomotion and aerial mobility in humanoid robots.
A significant hallmark of this project has been its collaborative nature. The research teams, based in Genoa, Italy, also partnered with experts from the Polytechnic of Milan and Stanford University. Here, wind tunnel tests and deep learning algorithms were used to identify critical aerodynamic models, illustrating the integrated efforts that make iRonCub3 a reality.
The aerodynamics and control studies have recently been published in Nature Communications Engineering, amplifying IWIT’s reputation as a leader in cutting-edge robotics research. This peer-reviewed article serves as a crucial resource in understanding the complex dynamics behind flying humanoid technology.
Under the leadership of Daniele Pucci, the Artificial and Mechanical Intelligence (AMI) Lab at IIT is paving the way for a new era of multi-modal humanoid robotics. The vision behind iRonCub3 isn’t merely to fly but to thrive in unpredictable and extreme environments, showcasing the adaptability of robots in tackling real-world challenges.
iRonCub3 is an evolution of earlier prototypes, closely associated with the iCub humanoid robot series. The most notable features include four jet engines—two positioned on each arm and two integrated into a jetpack that sits on the robot’s back. This distribution of thrust is key to its agility and balance.
However, the journey to creating this innovative robot wasn’t without its challenges. An innovative design modification, including a new titanium spine and heat-resistant coverings, was necessary to accommodate the external engines. This re-engineering ensures not just flight capability but also thermal protection from the exhaust temperatures, which can ascend as high as 800 degrees Celsius.
“We are breaking new ground in humanoid robotics,” says Pucci. The iRonCub3 weighs around 70 kg and boasts turbine thrust exceeding 1000 N. This configuration introduces significant possibilities for controlled maneuvers even amid spatial disturbances, showcasing a stark contrast to traditional drone designs that are often symmetric and compact.
The importance of understanding aerodynamics in real-time is another crucial component of this research. iRonCub3’s unique humanoid morphology necessitates advanced flight balance models, accounting for its movable limbs and dynamic center of mass. This complexity has led to the creation of refined balance models that consider both jet propulsion and limb interaction.
The IIT researchers have employed comprehensive methods, including extensive wind tunnel experiments and advanced Computational Fluid Dynamics simulations. These methods were supplemented by AI-based algorithms that can predict aerodynamic forces instantly, enhancing the robot’s control setup. “Our approach integrates neural networks trained on simulated and experimental data into the robot’s architecture,” explains PhD student Antonello Paolino, emphasizing the cutting-edge technology underpinning iRonCub3.
Furthermore, iRonCub3’s design has paved the way for substantial advancements in dealing with high-speed, turbulent airflows and complex multi-body dynamics. The robot can maintain stability during dynamic movements, including scenarios such as sequential engine ignition. This adaptability sets it apart from conventional drones that follow more simplistic control strategies.
The iterative design process employed fostered improvements in precision actuation and thrust control, crucial for the rigors of aerial locomotion. Each trial led to modifications tailored to optimize the robot’s body shape, control methods, and thermal management systems.
Initial test flights of iRonCub3 were conducted in IIT’s flight-testing area, confirming its ability to achieve stable lift. As testing progresses, iRonCub3’s capabilities will be further expanded through a partnership with Genoa Airport, a dedicated site for experimental campaigns with appropriate safety measures.
The implications for flying humanoid robots like iRonCub3 are vast. They promise applications in scenarios ranging from disaster recovery operations to inspections of hazardous environments and essential exploration missions. Integrating both aerial mobility and manipulation capabilities enables iRonCub3 to function in environments that traditional robots would find challenging.