Kawasaki Heavy Industries has revealed a groundbreaking four-legged robot named Corleo, which can be ridden like a horse. Powered by a hydrogen engine and designed with artificial intelligence (AI), the robot made its debut at the Osaka-Kansai Expo 2025. This futuristic mobility platform blends clean energy with robotic innovation, aiming to reshape how people might travel across rough terrain in the future.
A Robotic Horse That Walks Like a Machine
Corleo moves on four independent robotic legs, giving it the ability to walk on uneven ground. According to official statements from Kawasaki, each leg can move separately, helping the robot keep its balance even on difficult surfaces like rocky trails or soft dirt.
The robot is not just for show. Kawasaki describes Corleo as a functional off-road vehicle, capable of moving through a wide variety of terrains. It is part of the company’s broader vision to merge mobility with sustainable energy.
Hydrogen Engine Powers Electric Movement
At the heart of Corleo’s design is a 150cc hydrogen engine. This engine creates electricity to power the robot’s legs. Kawasaki says the goal is to reduce the carbon footprint of personal transport using clean hydrogen fuel.
By using hydrogen instead of gasoline or diesel, Corleo avoids producing harmful emissions. This is in line with Japan’s wider push toward hydrogen-based technology as a key pillar of clean energy.
“Corleo represents the next stage in our commitment to green innovation and robotics,” a Kawasaki spokesperson said during the expo.
Motorcycle-Inspired Design
Corleo’s body design reflects Kawasaki’s deep roots in the motorcycle industry. The frame features aerodynamic curves, combining metal and carbon materials to keep it lightweight but strong.
The robot’s head-like front shield looks like something from a futuristic motorbike, complete with built-in lights for visibility in both day and night conditions. This nod to Kawasaki’s motorbike history makes Corleo stand out not just for its function, but also its style.
Rides Based on Body Movement, Not Buttons
One of Corleo’s most advanced features is its ability to respond to the rider’s body movements. Instead of using buttons or levers, the robot shifts and adjusts its steps based on how the rider moves their body.
A built-in heads-up display (HUD) provides key information, including hydrogen fuel levels, navigation details, and balance updates. This makes riding Corleo feel more like a natural experience rather than a mechanical one.
Safety Features and Terrain Capabilities
Corleo’s robotic legs end in rubberized hooves, designed to grip various surfaces securely. Whether it’s smooth pavement or rough ground, the robot maintains its balance and stability.
Kawasaki also confirmed that Corleo is capable of jumping over obstacles, although exact performance figures have not yet been shared. Safety appears to be a major focus, with the robot equipped to adapt to sudden terrain changes and rider movement.
A Glimpse into the Future of Travel
Corleo is still a concept vehicle, meaning it is not ready for sale. Kawasaki has not announced final specs such as top speed, battery life, or travel range. However, the company is looking ahead, with possible commercial use by 2050.
“This is a long-term vision,” said a company spokesperson. “We are exploring how hydrogen power and intelligent control systems can change how we think about personal mobility.”
Kawasaki’s Broader Vision
Kawasaki is no stranger to innovation. The company has a long history in industrial robots, motorcycles, and heavy machinery. With Corleo, Kawasaki is trying to combine these fields to imagine what the next generation of transport could look like.
This isn’t the first time Kawasaki has explored robotic mobility. In 2022, the company introduced Bex, another robot designed for off-road movement, which also attracted media attention. Corleo is the latest step in a strategy that merges robotics with green technology.
Clean Energy and Robotics on the Rise
Hydrogen-powered vehicles have been a growing trend in Japan, with government support and industry interest aligning to reduce fossil fuel dependence. Kawasaki’s Corleo adds a new and exciting twist to this movement, showing how future transportation might not just roll—it might walk.
While Corleo is not available for public use just yet, its appearance at the Osaka Expo has sparked new interest in the potential of hydrogen robotics. As development continues, Kawasaki aims to refine this concept into a safe, energy-efficient vehicle that could one day serve real-world needs in farming, rescue missions, or even personal recreation.
