Traditional robotics advancements have predominantly pursued efficiency and capability enhancements, often neglecting the broader implications on ecosystems and vulnerable populations. This fragmentation risks generating disruptive consequences, such as technological disparities and ecosystem degradation. Sustainability Robotics insists on a paradigm shift grounded in three core principles: minimally invasive operation, universal accessibility, and symbiosis with natural and human systems. The vision is to engineer robots that not only perform tasks but do so while preserving environmental integrity and fostering inclusive benefits.

Central to this emerging discipline is the dual focus on sustainable robot design and robotic solutions for sustainability challenges. Sustainable robot design emphasizes reducing environmental footprints throughout a robot’s lifecycle—spanning material selection, energy consumption, and manufacturing processes. This approach demands leveraging biodegradable or recyclable materials, developing ultra-low-power components, and adopting circular manufacturing paradigms to mitigate resource depletion and waste.

Conversely, robotic solutions for sustainability highlight the deployment of robotics to tackle grand societal issues across environmental, social, and economic domains. Examples include autonomous systems for monitoring and restoring ecosystems, robots that enhance healthcare accessibility in underserved regions, and machines optimized to improve educational reach in remote communities. By embedding sustainability criteria into the very objectives of robotics applications, this framework aspires to maximize positive impact.

Importantly, Sustainability Robotics advocates for cross-disciplinary integration, combining insights from engineering, ecology, economics, ethics, and public policy. This holistic approach is envisioned to guide the development of governance frameworks that ensure equitable technology distribution, ethical deployment, and responsiveness to societal needs. It confronts ethical dilemmas posed by advanced automation and prioritizes inclusivity to prevent widening the gap between technology haves and have-nots.

Moreover, this manifesto underscores the urgency of aligning robotics innovation with global sustainability agendas, such as the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Robotics, when deliberately engineered and applied with sustainability at its core, possesses a unique potential to address climate change, improve healthcare delivery, and enhance educational equity. This reorientation could foster not only technological progress but also socio-environmental harmony.

By formalizing Sustainability Robotics as a distinct research discipline, the authors propose a strategic blueprint for coordinated research, education, and policy initiatives. This integration aims to catalyze innovations that are environmentally sound, socially just, and economically viable. As robotics technology matures, embedding sustainability into its foundation promises a more equitable and effective impact on global challenges.

This visionary manifesto invites scientists, engineers, policymakers, and ethicists alike to participate in this transformative movement. As robotics pivots from isolated breakthroughs toward a cohesive, sustainability-driven future, the imperative remains clear: technology must serve both humanity and the planet in a mutually reinforcing partnership.

Subject of Research: Sustainability Robotics—integrating robotic design and deployment with environmental, social, and economic sustainability goals.

Article Title: A manifesto for Sustainability Robotics

Article References:
Song, S., Mazzolai, B. & Kovač, M. A manifesto for Sustainability Robotics. Nat Mach Intell (2026). https://doi.org/10.1038/s42256-026-01260-6

Image Credits: AI Generated

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s42256-026-01260-6

The inspiration for this novel robotic wing arises directly from nature’s own design philosophy where birds and fish instinctively adjust their wing and fin shapes to counteract environmental fluctuations. Unlike the inflexible appendages currently employed by autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs), this soft wing leverages a sophisticated proprioceptive feedback system that allows it to detect changes in water flow and modify its configuration in real-time, effectively achieving remarkable stability and energy efficiency.

Central to this advancement is the integration of an innovative electronic skin, or e-skin, developed by the interdisciplinary research team. This e-skin incorporates flexible liquid metal wires encapsulated within durable silicone layers, which function akin to biological nerves by sensing subtle deformations as the wing bends. These deformation signals are instantly processed, triggering hydraulic actuation within the wing’s internal chambers to dynamically adjust stiffness and camber, mirroring the autonomous adaptability seen in living organisms.

In quantitative tests, this bioinspired wing demonstrated an extraordinary capacity to mitigate sudden uplift impulses generated by underwater currents, reducing these destabilizing jolts by an impressive 87% compared to conventional rigid-wing counterparts. Not only did the adaptive soft wing outperform its traditional peers in stability metrics, but it also showcased response times up to four times faster than previous soft wing designs that lack proprioceptive sensing capabilities.

Moreover, the system’s energy demands are significantly lower than existing thermally actuated shape-changing mechanisms, consuming roughly five times less power. This efficiency is paramount for AUVs, as energy conservation directly enhances operational lifespan and range, key constraints in deep-sea and extended underwater missions. The soft robotic wing’s ability to maintain balance with minimal energetic cost opens new avenues for more autonomous, resilient underwater platforms.

The design ethos behind this technology challenges the longstanding paradigm of constructing more robust, mechanically rigid underwater robots to withstand ocean forces. Instead, the researchers advocate for developing smart, flexible systems that harmonize with their fluid environments, actively leveraging environmental dynamics instead of resisting them. Such biomimetic approaches promise to revolutionize robotic mobility and control within complex, unpredictable aquatic terrains.

Testing involved subjecting the wing to a broad spectrum of flow disturbances, both in shape and magnitude, comparing performance against a standard rigid wing and a basic soft wing devoid of proprioceptive feedback. The results highlighted not only superior disturbance rejection in the integrated proprioceptive wing but also demonstrated stabilization capabilities surpassing those measured in natural flyers such as barn owls during glide — a testament to the system’s refined control mechanisms.

Beyond the laboratory, the team acknowledges inherent challenges in scaling this technology for real-world underwater applications. Integrating the flexible wing with the usually rigid AUV structure and ensuring its durability amidst the harsh, variable marine environment remain critical hurdles. Nonetheless, they are optimistic that advancing actuator technologies with greater power output could further enhance the adaptive capacity and disturbance rejection of these hybrid passive-active systems.

This synergistic approach combining soft robotics, bioinspired sensing, and hydraulic actuation marks a transformative paradigm in underwater robotics research. It paves the way for next-generation AUVs capable of agile maneuvering, reduced energy consumption, and superior resilience against environmental unpredictability — qualities imperative for science, exploration, and surveillance missions in increasingly demanding aquatic contexts.

The research, published in npj Robotics, not only charts a promising path for aquatic soft wing development but also broadens the horizons of how robotic systems can harness proprioceptive feedback to merge biological nuance with cutting-edge engineering. As these systems evolve, the interplay between passive mechanical properties and active electronic sensing control promises to usher in a new era of robotics designed to truly coexist with the natural forces they face.

Professor Blair Thornton of the University of Southampton emphasized the significance of this advancement, remarking that underwater robots must possess continuous environmental awareness to operate reliably in dynamic ocean ecosystems. The integration of sensing with flexible materials is a critical step toward achieving truly adaptive systems that can meet the unpredictable demands of natural underwater habitats with finesse and efficiency.

Leo Micklem, lead author on the study, described the conceptual shift away from toughness in robotics toward intelligence and flexibility, highlighting that smart soft machines capable of symbiotic interaction with their environments embody the future of marine robotic design. Through blending biology’s principles of proprioception with engineering innovation, this research unlocks powerful pathways toward robotic systems that are not merely tools but responsive entities optimized for life beneath the waves.

Subject of Research: Not applicable

Article Title: Harnessing proprioception in aquatic soft wings enables hybrid passive-active disturbance rejection

News Publication Date: 12-Feb-2026

References:
Harnessing proprioception in aquatic soft wings enables hybrid passive-active disturbance rejection, npj Robotics, DOI: 10.1038/s44182-026-00078-z

Image Credits: University of Southampton

Keywords

Bioinspired robotics, Robotics, Robotic designs, Soft robotics

Conducted over two years, the research and engineering efforts behind iRonCub3 exemplify the challenges faced in developing flying humanoid robots. The complexities of aerodynamics, coupled with the intricacies involved in robotic control, demanded a comprehensive study of the robot’s dynamic balance and movement. Unlike traditional drones that boast symmetrical forms, iRonCub3 flaunts a distinctly humanoid shape, bringing with it unique challenges related to center of mass and limb motion. The need for sophisticated control systems that can accommodate these complexities ultimately forged new paths in robotic research.

As reported in a recently published paper in Nature Communications Engineering, the research collaboration involved experts from various disciplines. The IIT team teamed up with the DAER Aerodynamics Laboratory at the Polytechnic of Milan, where rigorous wind tunnel tests were conducted, and with Stanford University, where deep learning techniques were employed to enhance the understanding of aerodynamic forces. This collaborative approach was pivotal in addressing the challenges posed by iRonCub3’s nuanced design and functionality.

Significant technological advancements were made possible thanks to the integration of thermodynamics and advanced control systems, laying the groundwork for the successful flight of iRonCub3. The design incorporates four jet engines to afford the robot aerial mobility, positioned strategically on its arms and back. The development of a titanium spine and heat-resistant covers illustrates the attention to detail required to protect the robot from the extreme temperatures experienced during operation, thus ensuring both safety and performance efficiency.

The research team, led by Daniele Pucci, emphasized the need for real-time evaluation of the aerodynamic conditions affecting the iRonCub3 during flight. By harnessing innovative AI methodologies, they addressed the dual challenge of controlling both the robot’s slow-moving joints and the rapid responses of the jet propulsion system. This level of complexity means the robot’s testing environment requires precision and caution, underscoring the risks associated with flying humanoids— an area still in its infancy compared to other robotics fields.

One of the most striking achievements of the iRonCub3 project is the codevelopment of dynamic balance models specific to its unique construction. The research indicated that to achieve controlled flight, the team had to devise models that managed the continual shifts in mass distribution caused by the robot’s movements. Through iterative testing and refinements, these dynamic balance models have enabled iRonCub3 to handle challenges that traditional drones would struggle to manage.

The consequences of these developments extend beyond technical prowess; they open up possibilities for iRonCub3 to serve critical roles in various scenarios. The humanoid design coupled with its aerial capabilities makes it an ideal candidate for search-and-rescue missions, hazardous inspections, and other difficult environments where traditional robots might falter. Its ability to maneuver through challenging terrains while maintaining human-like mobility can provide an invaluable asset in times of crisis or exploration.

The successful flight testing at IIT’s dedicated flight-testing area showcased the robot’s seamless lift-off and stability, but it’s only the beginning. Plans are underway for more comprehensive testing scenarios in collaboration with Genoa Airport to ensure that future experiments push the boundaries of what flying humanoid robots can achieve. As the development shifts to larger testing environments, iRonCub3’s capabilities may soon be seen beyond the confines of research facilities.

Central to the concept of iRonCub3 is its underlying AI control architecture. This system utilizes neural networks trained on both simulated environments and real-world tests, allowing for the rapid prediction of aerodynamic forces acting on the robot during flight. The result is a highly adaptable system capable of processing environmental variables and maintaining stable flight, even in turbulent conditions that would challenge less complex systems.

The aviation frontier of robotics continues to evolve, with iRonCub3 standing as a testament to the ongoing efforts to create machines that not only mimic human appearance but can also replicate human capabilities in complex environments. The revolutionary design principles guiding iRonCub3, including co-design processes that align AI functionalities with aerodynamics and thermodynamics, signify a turning point in robot development strategies. This iconic robot represents a new narrative in the robotics sector, merging the realms of flight and humanoid functionality.

As iRonCub3 gains further testing and refinement, its impact on future robotic design and application remains to be seen. It could redefine the capabilities of robots in various fields, bridging the gap between land and air mobility and showcasing the potential of advanced robotics. With the integration of novel approaches and cross-disciplinary collaboration, the aspirations surrounding humanoid robots like iRonCub3 are becoming increasingly achievable, heralding an exciting era for robotics and technology as a whole.

The future holds immense promise for flying humanoid robots, particularly for applications that necessitate both aerial and terrestrial function. With evolving technologies and methods, research teams can explore dimensions of robotics has barely scratched the surface. The road ahead is paved with ambitious goals of developing additional capabilities and operational environments, holding the potential to revolutionize industries that rely on human-like robots.

As humanity continues to innovate and explore the capabilities of robotics, iRonCub3 will undoubtedly serve as a front-runner in the ongoing journey toward integrating humanoid robotics into everyday life. This remarkable robot will inspire future generations of engineers and researchers to push the limits of what robotics can accomplish, paving the way for technologies that once belonged merely to the realm of science fiction.

Subject of Research:
Article Title: Learning Aerodynamics for the Control of Flying Humanoid Robots
News Publication Date: 18-Jun-2025
Web References: Link to Nature Communications Engineering
References:
Image Credits: Credit: IIT-Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia

Keywords