Researchers successfully demonstrated the first vertical lift-off of humanoid robots, marking a significant advancement toward flying robots that emulate human capabilities.
A newly developed robot, named IronCub Mk3, utilizes four thrusters for vertical thrust, with two integrated into its arm and two mounted on its back.
The footage was released by Italian Institute of Technology (IIT) on YouTube on June 18th, showcasing the robot being held from its suspenders before it is activated to achieve a lift of around 20 inches (50 cm) off the ground.
ICUB robots, based on IIT humanoids, resemble children in size and appearance. Weighing 49 pounds (22 kilograms) and measuring 3 feet (1 meter) tall, they have a distinctive smooth and shiny “baby face” head.
Originally launched in 2009 by the RobotCub Consortium of European universities, it serves as a testbed for studying human cognition and artificial intelligence (AI), having been utilized in numerous projects over the last 16 years.
A recent study released on June 1st arxiv by IIT engineers, indicated that the enhanced robot is the first jet-driven flying humanoid robot designed for take-off, emphasizing the new possibilities for flying humanoid robots.
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Unlike many other robotic platforms focused solely on ground movement and manipulation, integrating aerial mobility enhances capabilities for search and rescue missions, enabling navigation through collapsed buildings, flooded areas, or difficult terrains that humans cannot access.
This type of robot can combine its environmental interaction abilities with flight to assist in debris removal and locating or rescuing victims.
The authors also highlighted the potential for repairs in hard-to-reach areas, such as under bridges, and operating in hazardous environments where human presence is unsafe, such as nuclear or chemical spill sites.
The world's first jetpack-powered flying robot
IronCub is developed on IIT’s ICUB3 platform. Designed to replicate various human abilities, it is remotely operated by an individual utilizing head-up displays (HUDs) similar to virtual reality (VR) headsets along with other specialized equipment.
The ICUB was modified for flight by adding mounting brackets for the jetpack and a new titanium spine to support its weight. Previous versions faced challenges igniting the thruster exhaust, so heat-resistant panels and coverings were incorporated into the ICUB’s chassis. The thruster tilt angle was also modified to enhance stability during flight and direct the exhaust away from the robot’s body.
(Image credit: via Stefano Rellandini/AFP Getty Images)
In this version, the robot’s forearm and hand were removed to create space for the thruster on the arm, but the forearm remains fully compatible for future revisions.
To enable the chassis to withstand the stresses of takeoff and flight, the engineers utilized finite element method (FEM) analysis, a problem-solving technique that breaks down the structure into interconnected smaller components. They applied an axial load of 750 Newtons (three times the peak thrust of each turbine) to the jet engine’s brackets.
A significant challenge in achieving flight with humanoid robots involves coordinating all the joints and actuation points, adjusting the thrusters to prevent the robot from flying off course or upside down.
Engineers accomplished this using a method known as Changed Model Predictive Control (MPC), a complex flight controller that continuously calculates the optimal joint positions and jet throttle settings.
Prior to real-world testing, extensive simulations were conducted to ensure safety due to the high exhaust temperatures exceeding 1,112 degrees Fahrenheit (600 degrees Celsius).
Following successful demonstrations of lift-off with predefined trajectories and precise tracking, the team is focused on enhancing the flight controller to manage external obstacles during actual flight scenarios, such as wind and adverse weather conditions.
Source: www.livescience.com