Technology • Jun 26, 2025

Jet-Powered robot designed for emergency assistance

Say hello to iRonCub MK3—a humanoid robot that can actually fly using jet engines.
Built by researchers in Italy, this 70kg bot has four mini jet turbines (two on its arms, two on its back) that let it lift off vertically.

TL;DR

iRonCub's robust build and flight control

iRonCub is tough—its titanium spine and heat-resistant covers help it handle the heat from those powerful jets.
The robot's moves are controlled by a human wearing a headset, with real-time feedback from sensors to keep things steady mid-air.

Researchers' next steps

The team ran wind tunnel tests and simulations to make sure iRonCub could take off and follow set flight paths.
Their work was published in top engineering journals, and next up they're aiming for even smoother, more independent flights.