iRonCub Takes Flight: A Humanoid Robot’s Potential in Emergencies
A humanoid robot designed to fly has achieved a significant milestone. The iRonCub, developed by Daniele Pucci at the Italian Institute of Technology (IIT) in Genoa, Italy, successfully lifted off the ground for the first time. This achievement, reached over the summer after nearly ten years of research, showcases the robot’s capability to take flight using a jet propulsion system. The iRonCub lifted approximately 50 centimeters off the ground, demonstrating its potential as a vital tool for emergency response.
The long-term vision for the iRonCub is to function as a disaster response platform. In scenarios such as floods or fires, this flying robot could quickly navigate to affected areas, bypassing obstacles. Once on the ground, it would switch to walking mode for energy efficiency, utilizing its arms and hands to clear debris and open doors. Pucci emphasizes the importance of innovation in this field, stating, “We believe in contributing to something unique in the future.”
Creating a humanoid robot capable of flight presents numerous challenges. The jet turbines on the iRonCub generate over 1,000 N of thrust. However, controlling the robot requires precise movements, as the engines take time to adjust. Pucci notes, “What is not visible from the video is that the exhaust gas from the turbines is at 800 degrees Celsius and almost supersonic speed.” The team focuses on developing trajectories to manage the effects of the exhaust on the robot’s stability.
Research conducted by Pucci’s group, published in Nature Engineering Communications, outlines a comprehensive approach to modeling and controlling aerodynamic forces for humanoid robots. This work is crucial, as it allows for advancements not only in flying robots but also in other applications. Techniques for thrust estimation could be applied to electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft (eVTOL), while aerodynamic considerations are relevant even for ground-based humanoid robots that must function in windy conditions.
Pucci highlights a recent collaboration with an industrial partner developing a new pneumatic gripper. “At a certain point, we had to do force estimation for controlling the gripper, and we realized that the dynamics looked really similar to those of the jet turbines,” he explains. This discovery allowed the team to adapt their thrust control tools for industrial applications, illustrating how innovative research can lead to practical solutions.
Attracting Talent and Future Enhancements
Beyond the technical advancements, the iRonCub project serves as a flagship initiative that attracts talent to Pucci’s lab. Engaging students and researchers in groundbreaking projects fosters enthusiasm and passion for robotics. Visitors to IIT often remark on the palpable excitement surrounding projects like iRonCub, reminiscent of the energy observed during the DARPA Robotics Challenge.
Looking ahead, Pucci plans to enhance the iRonCub’s capabilities. A new jetpack with additional degrees of freedom will facilitate easier yaw control, and the addition of wings is expected to improve long-distance flight efficiency. However, testing logistics are becoming increasingly complicated. The current test stand, located on the roof of their building, limits the team’s ability to conduct extensive flight trials. Future developments may necessitate collaboration with the Genoa airport for more expansive testing.
Pucci remains optimistic about the project’s potential. “This is not a joke. It’s something that we believe in,” he asserts. The ambition to create something exceptional and possibly historical drives the team forward. With continued innovation and collaboration, the iRonCub may soon play a crucial role in emergency response scenarios, marking a significant advancement in robotics.
