Kawasaki Heavy Industries has just revealed its latest innovation: a four-legged rideable robot called “CORLEO.” This futuristic transportation concept will be showcased at the upcoming Osaka-Kansai Expo in 2025, offering visitors a glimpse into what mobility might look like in 2050.
Meet CORLEO, Kawasaki’s Horse Robot
The robot represents a bold vision for future transportation options. Kawasaki Heavy Industries presented the concept during a press conference, positioning it as a fusion of the company’s motorcycle and robotics divisions. The prototype combines technologies from these two business segments to create something entirely new in the transportation space.
Purpose of the Robot Concept
According to Kawasaki Executive Officer Takashi Torii, “CORLEO is a completely new means of transportation that combines Kawasaki’s motorcycle and robotics technologies. It’s something that only a comprehensive heavy industry manufacturer could propose, and bringing it to life through active internal discussions has been meaningful.”
Features and Technology of CORLEO
Design and Operation
The four-legged robot is approximately the size of a large motorcycle and is designed to be ridden like a horse. Riders straddle the machine and control it through weight shifts, creating an intuitive riding experience. CORLEO runs on a hydrogen engine, highlighting Kawasaki’s commitment to exploring alternative power sources.
Technical Innovations
What makes CORLEO particularly innovative is its adoption of the swing-arm mechanism — typically used to connect a motorcycle frame to its rear wheel and absorb shocks — into a robotic platform. This adaptation allows the robot to navigate rough terrain with remarkable stability, making it possible to traverse mountainous regions and other areas inaccessible to conventional vehicles.
Osaka Expo 2025 Exhibition Display
While CORLEO will be featured at the Osaka-Kansai Expo, visitors will only be able to see a mockup version rather than a fully functioning prototype.
Future Development of CORLEO
Despite its impressive capabilities, Kawasaki has stated that there are currently no plans to commercialize CORLEO or develop it into a business. The robot remains a concept designed to spark imagination and demonstrate technological possibilities rather than a product slated for production.
The Osaka-Kansai Expo, scheduled for 2025, will feature numerous technological innovations from Japanese companies showcasing their visions of the future.
