The Hybrid Robot That Walks, Flies, and Rolls
X1 is a groundbreaking hybrid robot developed by researchers at the California Institute of Technology. It merges the Unitree G1 humanoid robot with Caltech’s innovative M4 drone, creating a machine that seems to have stepped out of a science fiction film.
“It walks, it flies, and it rolls — meet X1, the hybrid robot from Caltech that blurs the lines between humanoid, drone, and vehicle.”
Design and Functionality
The M4 drone is no conventional aerial robot. When it lands, it pivots its arms so that the circular propeller guards serve as wheels, allowing it to roll smoothly like a small vehicle. When attached to the humanoid robot, the system becomes a striking hybrid that looks like a robot equipped with folded mechanical wings.
How It Operates
The humanoid component functions as a mobile base capable of walking on two legs, climbing stairs, and manipulating doors. Upon reaching open areas, it tilts forward to form a stable launchpad, enabling the M4 to lift off effortlessly. Once airborne, the drone can fly independently or land again to switch back into its rolling mode.
Years of Development
It took the Caltech robotics team nearly three years to seamlessly integrate all these different modes of motion into one adaptable system. The result is X1 — a robot that travels on land and soars in the air, showcasing a rare combination of agility and engineering precision. Its only current limitation is that it does not operate underwater.
Author’s Summary
X1 represents a new frontier in robotics, uniting humanoid stability with drone versatility to create a machine capable of moving efficiently across diverse terrains and through the air.