Humanoid With Jetpack Paves Future for Disaster Response
Italian researchers from the Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia are developing a jetpack-equipped humanoid robot, iRonCub3, to assist in emergency rescues and disaster scenarios. The project adapts the child-sized iCub robot, originally designed for AI research, by adding twin jet engines that generate up to 1,000 N of thrust, allowing the robot to potentially fly to remote locations.
The robot has been upgraded with a titanium spine, heat-resistant covers, and new electronics to handle the extreme conditions generated by the jet engines. While iRonCub3 has been tested in a wind tunnel, it has yet to achieve full liftoff, but the team is confident that hovering will be accomplished soon. The robot’s control algorithms and trajectory planning have been validated through simulations, and ongoing work focuses on refining its spatial orientation.
The ultimate goal is for iRonCub3 to perform aerial inspections, provide key data to remote personnel, and physically interact with the environment, such as climbing stairs or opening doors. This capability could be invaluable for first responders in remote or hazardous situations, as well as for inspecting dangerous structures.