What if robots could fly like Iron Man? That’s exactly what iRonCub3 is doing — no CGI, no stunt wires. Built by engineers at the Italian Institute of Technology, iRonCub3 is the world’s first humanoid robot that can hover and balance in midair using jet engines.
Yes, you read that right — this robot flew.
How iRonCub3 Works
iRonCub3 runs on four jet engines, placed on its back and legs. These aren’t your average toy propellers. The engines are hot — literally. That’s why the robot’s body features heat-resistant covers and a titanium spine strong enough to handle temperatures up to 800°C.
During its first flight, the humanoid lifted about 50cm off the ground. While that may sound small, it’s a big deal. Flying is hard. Flying upright, without spinning out or falling, is even harder. Yet iRonCub3 stayed stable and balanced throughout the flight.
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Smarts Behind the Power
It’s not just about the engines — the brain behind the bot matters just as much. iRonCub3 uses AI-powered control algorithms to constantly adjust engine thrust and body position in real-time. That helps it stay balanced, avoid wild spins, and land safely.
Think of it as a tightrope walker juggling while standing on a hoverboard — only it’s a robot doing it midair.
🇮🇹 Le premier androïde volant au monde a été testé en Italie
Des scientifiques italiens ont pour la première fois propulsé dans les airs un robot humanoïde à réaction, iRonCub3. Lors des tests, l’appareil a atteint une hauteur d’environ 50 cm et a parfaitement maintenu son… pic.twitter.com/ySM13SCorm
— Grelet J-Christophe (@JCGRELET) June 19, 2025
Why This Matters
This isn’t just a cool science experiment. The iRonCub3 project has been in the works for over two years. And now, it’s flying.
That means we’re one step closer to hybrid robots that can operate on land and in the air. Imagine robots like iRonCub3 helping out in disaster zones, search-and-rescue missions, or even space missions, where drones or wheeled bots struggle.
With further improvements, this tech could lead to agile, flying robots that can navigate places too dangerous or remote for humans.
Still Early, But Full of Promise
Right now, iRonCub3 is just a proof-of-concept. It won’t be saving lives tomorrow. But it shows what’s possible when you mix robotics, AI, and some serious jet power.
This is more than a robot — it’s a glimpse into the future of movement.
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