Scientists at Caltech have presented a unique mobile system, X1, that combines a humanoid robot and a drone into a single unit. The project brings together three modes of movement: walking, flying and wheeled motion. It is based on the G1 robot from the Chinese company Unitree Robotics, with the team’s own development, the morphing M4 drone, mounted on its back.
The robots work in coordination: G1 walks across rough terrain, after which M4 takes off from its back and continues the journey through the air or on the ground. This gives the X1 system an advantage over other mobile platforms, which usually rely on only one mode of movement.
The engineers developed adaptive algorithms that allow G1 to keep its balance even with the drone on board and move across difficult terrain. This approach opens up new possibilities for creating universal robots for tasks in unconventional conditions — from rescue operations to exploring hard-to-reach areas.
The project is the result of three years of work and a step toward a new generation of hybrid robots.
