In a significant advancement for robotics technology, engineers at the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) have created what they're calling a real-life Transformer robot with the intelligence to morph in midair.
The new robot, dubbed ATMO (Aerially Transforming Morphobot), represents a major leap forward in hybrid mobility systems. While previous robots could both fly and drive, they typically needed to land first before transforming, often struggling on rough terrain. ATMO solves this problem by performing its transformation before touching down, allowing for seamless transitions between aerial and ground operations.
"We designed and built a new robotic system that is inspired by nature – by the way that animals can use their bodies in different ways to achieve different types of locomotion," explains Ioannis Mandralis, lead author of the study published in the journal Communications Engineering on May 28, 2025.
The robot's innovative design uses four thrusters for flight, with their protective shrouds ingeniously doubling as wheels in ground mode. The entire transformation relies on a single motor that moves a central joint, shifting ATMO's configuration between flying and driving modes. What makes this system truly remarkable is its sophisticated control algorithm, which continuously predicts how the robot will behave and makes real-time adjustments to maintain stability during transformation.
To develop this control system, researchers conducted extensive testing in Caltech's drone lab, including load cell experiments and smoke visualization to understand the complex aerodynamics at play. The resulting model predictive control system allows ATMO to navigate the challenging forces that occur during transformation, particularly near the ground where air turbulence is most unpredictable.
The potential applications for this technology are vast. The increased agility and robustness of such robots make them particularly promising for commercial delivery systems, especially in areas with varied terrain. In search and rescue operations, ATMO-like robots could quickly survey disaster areas from above before seamlessly transitioning to ground exploration of confined spaces. The technology could also prove invaluable for exploring hazardous environments where human access is limited or dangerous.