Caltech researchers have built a bipedal robot that combines walking with flying to create a new type of locomotion, which makes it more agile and capable of complex movements. Part walking robot, part flying drone, the LEONARDO (short for LEgs ONboARD drOne, or LEO for short) can walk on a tightrope like tightrope walkers, jump, and even skateboard. Developed by a team from Caltech’s Center for Autonomous Systems and Technologies (CAST), LEO is the first robot to uses multi-jointed legs and propeller-based thrusters to achieve a good degree of control over its balance.

Researchers in California unveiled a bipedal robot on Wednesday that combines walking with flying to create a new type of locomotion, allowing it to jump, skateboard and walk on a slackline. The robot, named LEONARDO or LEO for short, was developed by a team at the California Institute of Technology's Center for Autonomous Systems and Technologies. Researchers said LEO is the first robot to use multi-joint legs and propeller-based thrusters to enable it to balance and carry out complex movements.