First Flying Humanoid Robot: Fact Check

The world’s first flying humanoid robot is the Jetpack Aviation JB-10, a jet-powered exoskeleton that lets a human pilot stand upright and fly, first demonstrated in 2017. It is not an autonomous robot but a wearable flying machine that makes a person into a humanoid aircraft, and it remains the only certified jet suit of its kind.

What Makes It a “Humanoid Robot”?

The JB-10 is often called a humanoid robot because it fits the shape of a human body and moves with the pilot’s limbs. Unlike drones or fixed-wing aircraft, it has no wings, rotors, or control surfaces. Instead, the pilot’s arms and legs control the direction and speed, and the machine’s shape is essentially a human torso with two small jet engines on the back and two on the arms. The term “robot” is a stretch—there is no autonomous control or artificial intelligence—but the device is a true flying humanoid in the sense that it is a machine that mimics the human form and carries a person through the air.

History and Development

The idea of a jetpack dates back to the 1960s, but early versions were heavy, fuel-hungry, and could only fly for about 30 seconds. Jetpack Aviation, founded by David Mayman, began developing the JB-9 in 2015, which set a world record for the longest jetpack flight. The JB-10, introduced in 2017, improved on that design with smaller, more powerful engines and better control. It was the first jet suit to receive airworthiness certification from the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in 2021, meaning it is legal to fly in designated airspace with proper training. The JB-10 has since been used in search-and-rescue demonstrations and military trials, but it is not yet available to the general public.

How the Jet Suit Works

The JB-10 uses four small turbojet engines—two on the back and two on the arms—that burn jet fuel (kerosene) to produce thrust. The pilot controls the suit by tilting their body and moving their arms. To go forward, the pilot leans forward; to turn, they twist their torso. The engines are mounted on gimbals that allow them to pivot, giving the pilot precise control. The suit has a top speed of about 200 km/h (124 mph) and can fly for up to 10 minutes, depending on the pilot’s weight and throttle usage. The fuel is stored in a backpack tank, and the entire suit weighs about 22 kg (48 lbs) empty, not counting the pilot.

Safety and Training

Flying a jet suit is extremely dangerous and requires extensive training. Jetpack Aviation requires pilots to complete a rigorous training program that includes ground simulations and low-altitude flights. The suit has no parachute, so a failure at altitude could be fatal. The FAA certification came with strict conditions: pilots must wear a full-body flame-resistant suit, a helmet, and a ballistic parachute that deploys automatically if the pilot falls. The suit also has a kill switch that shuts down all engines in an emergency. Despite these measures, the JB-10 is not a toy; it is a high-performance aircraft that demands respect.

Cost and Availability

Jetpack Aviation has not publicly listed a price for the JB-10, but industry estimates suggest it costs around $500,000 per unit. The company sells the suits to government agencies and military buyers, and it has not announced a consumer release date. Training costs are separate and can run into tens of thousands of dollars. For comparison, a high-end drone costs a few thousand dollars, and a small helicopter costs over $100,000, so the jet suit is in a niche category of extreme personal aircraft.

Alternatives and Related Technologies

If you are interested in flying humanoid machines, there are a few other options. The Gravity Jet Suit from Gravity Industries uses a similar design but with five engines (two on each arm and one on the back) and is used for entertainment and military demos. There are also electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft like the Jetson One, which is a single-seat drone-like vehicle that you sit in, not wear. For autonomous humanoid robots, companies like Boston Dynamics have built Atlas, a bipedal robot that can run and do backflips, but it does not fly. The JB-10 remains the only true flying humanoid robot that a person can wear and control with their body.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the JB-10 considered a robot?

Technically, no—it has no autonomy or AI. It is a piloted machine, so calling it a “robot” is a marketing term. However, it is a humanoid-shaped flying device, which is why it is often described that way.

How long can it fly?

The JB-10 can fly for about 10 minutes at full throttle, but typical flights are shorter—around 5–7 minutes—to conserve fuel and reduce pilot fatigue. The flight time depends on the pilot’s weight and how aggressively they use the throttle.

Can I buy one?

Not currently. Jetpack Aviation sells to government and military customers only. There is no consumer pricing or retail availability, and the training requirements make it impractical for most people.

Is it safe?

No form of personal flight is completely safe, and the jet suit is riskier than a helicopter or drone. It requires extensive training, and a mechanical failure can be catastrophic. The FAA certification adds some oversight, but the risk is inherent.

What fuel does it use?

It uses aviation kerosene (Jet A or Jet A-1), which is the same fuel used in commercial jet engines. The suit has a fuel capacity of about 10 liters (2.6 gallons), which limits flight time.

How fast can it go?

The top speed is around 200 km/h (124 mph), but pilots rarely fly that fast because it is difficult to control at high speeds. Typical cruising speed is around 80–100 km/h (50–62 mph).

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