The Video You'll Watch Three Times: Meet X1, the Hybrid Robot
X1 moves in extraordinary ways: it walks, flies, and rolls. Created by researchers at the California Institute of Technology, this hybrid robot blurs the boundaries between humanoid, drone, and vehicle.
A Fusion of Two Unique Machines
X1 combines the Chinese Unitree G1 humanoid robot with Caltech’s innovative M4 drone. The M4 drone is particularly exceptional—it transforms upon landing by rotating its arms and using its circular propeller guards as wheels, turning into a compact rolling vehicle.
The Hybrid in Action
- The humanoid Unitree G1 serves as a carrier platform, walking on two legs, climbing stairs, and opening doors.
- Once in an open area, the robot leans forward, creating a launchpad for the M4 drone to take off.
- The M4 can fly independently or land and shift to wheeled mode to continue moving on the ground.
Design and Development
It took Caltech’s team three years to integrate all these movement modes into a unified system. The resulting robot, resembling a mechanical figure with folded wings on its back, offers mobility both on land and in the air, a rare versatility in robotics.
“It walks, it flies, and it rolls — meet X1, the hybrid robot from Caltech that blurs the lines between humanoid, drone, and vehicle.”
X1 cannot operate underwater, but its ability to transition seamlessly between walking, flying, and rolling sets it apart in robotic innovation.
Author’s summary: X1 from Caltech is a unique hybrid robot that walks, flies, and rolls by merging a humanoid robot with a transforming drone, showcasing cutting-edge adaptability across terrains.