New flying humanoid robot invented by Guangdong scientists

A new humanoid robot which can take off from the ground using a ducted-fan propulsion system has been invented by a research group led by associate professor Huang Zhifeng from Guangdong University of Technology.

The new humanoid robot, named Jet-HR2, started development in 2019, with the primary goal of demonstrating the potential of jet propulsion systems to improve humanoid robots' locomotor performance. The robot can use jet propulsion to reach its destination more quickly through flight, or by jumping long distances to perform its task.

The total weight of the robot, including the battery, is 17 kilograms, and its nominal maximum thrust is about 190 Newtons. The robot contains ten joints consisting of brushless motors and harmonic reducers, with four ducted-fans as thrusters.

Due to the small thrust-to-weight ratio, altitude control of the robot during takeoff is a huge challenge. To solve the issue, the group proposed a new approach to achieve posture adjustment by vector control of the thrusters mounted on the feet.