<ul data-eligibleForWebStory="true"><li>iRonCub MK3, a humanoid robot, achieves successful vertical liftoff using four thrusters.</li><li>The robot, based on iCub, stands 3 feet tall, weighs 49 pounds, and has a "baby face" head.</li><li>Designed by the RobotCub Consortium, iCub is a testbed for AI research since 2009.</li><li>The iRonCub is the first jet-powered humanoid robot capable of vertical takeoff.</li><li>Adding aerial mobility to robots like iRonCub can aid in search and rescue missions and repairs in hazardous environments.</li><li>The robot is controlled through a VR helmet with load-bearing brackets for the jetpack and heat-resistant panels.</li><li>The engineering team used MPC for flight control and performed FEM analysis to ensure the chassis can handle flight stress.</li><li>Real-world tests followed computer simulations, focusing on enhancing the flight controller for external disturbances.</li><li>Plans for the future iterations include adding back the forearms to the iRonCub robot.</li><li>The iRonCub project showcases the potential of flying humanoid robots for various applications.</li></ul>

Intrepid baby-faced robot dons a jetpack for its next adventure — becoming the first humanoid robot to fly

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