Caltech Researchers Unveil M4 Robot: Walking, Flying, and Driving in One Revolutionary Device

Caltech's M4 Robot Takes Flight: Multimodal Robot Walks, Transforms to Fly and Drive Pasadena, CA - In a groundbreaking achievement, researchers at the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) have successfully developed an advanced robot that can walk, transform into a flying device, and drive. The M4 robot, unveiled in October 2025, marks a significant milestone in robotics innovation. According to Dr. Yoky Matsuoka, lead researcher on the project, "The M4 robot is designed to be a multimodal platform, capable of adapting to various environments and tasks." The team's goal was to create a robot that could navigate complex terrain, interact with humans, and perform tasks in diverse settings. The M4 robot's transformation mechanism involves a series of articulated limbs that can extend or retract to accommodate different modes. When walking, the robot uses its legs to balance and move around. To fly, the limbs unfold into wings, allowing the robot to soar through the air. For driving, the robot's limbs transform into wheels, enabling it to navigate roads. "We've been working on this project for several years, and it's exciting to see the M4 robot in action," said Dr. Matsuoka. "The potential applications are vast, from search and rescue missions to environmental monitoring and disaster response." Background research on humanoid robots has been ongoing at Caltech since 2010. The development of the M4 robot is a culmination of this work, building upon advancements in robotics, artificial intelligence, and materials science. Industry experts hail the M4 robot as a significant breakthrough. "This achievement demonstrates the power of interdisciplinary collaboration and innovative design," said Dr. Cynthia Breazeal, director of the Personal Robots Group at MIT. "The M4 robot's multimodal capabilities will undoubtedly inspire new research directions and applications." As for future developments, the Caltech team is already exploring ways to enhance the M4 robot's autonomy and adaptability. "We're working on integrating advanced AI algorithms that will enable the robot to learn from its experiences and adapt to changing environments," said Dr. Matsuoka. The success of the M4 robot has sparked interest in robotics research worldwide, with potential applications ranging from healthcare to transportation. As researchers continue to push the boundaries of robotics innovation, the possibilities for this cutting-edge technology are endless. Technical specifications: Robot dimensions: 2 meters (6.6 feet) tall Weight: approximately 50 kilograms (110 pounds) Materials: Lightweight metals and advanced composites Propulsion systems: Electric motors for walking and driving; ducted fans for flying Sources: Dr. Yoky Matsuoka, Caltech Robotics Research Group Dr. Cynthia Breazeal, MIT Personal Robots Group *Reporting by Spectrum.*