The four-legged walking machine was designed for mountain hikes, cross-country rides.

Kawasaki Heavy Industries, a Japanese multinational corporation, has released Corleo, a hydrogen-powered, rideable robot horse, at the Osaka-Kansai Expo 2025. This innovative quadruped machine blends motorcycle engineering with advanced robotics and artificial intelligence, offering a glimpse into the future of personal mobility.

Corleo's design draws inspiration from both equine and feline forms, resulting in a machine that moves with the grace of a horse and the agility of a panther, the company said in a press release.

Equipped with four independently articulating legs and rubber hooves, Corleo can navigate challenging terrains, including rocky paths and snowy trails, making it ideal for cross-country rides and mountain hikes.

More to read:
[video] Boston Dynamics releases video of humanoid robot performing breakdancing moves

The robot's AI system analyzes terrain and adjusts movements in real-time, ensuring stability and responsiveness to the rider's weight shifts.

It is approximately 1.8 meters high and a mass of around 220 kilograms. Corleo can move 10-15 kilometers per hour and safely carry up to 100 kilograms – a full grown-up human.

At its core, Corleo houses a 150cc hydrogen engine that powers electric motors in each leg.

This setup not only provides the necessary torque for off-road adventures but also aligns with Kawasaki's commitment to sustainable technology, emitting only water vapor as a byproduct.

Rider-centric features

Corleo offers an intuitive riding experience, with control achieved through the rider's body movements, similar to horseback riding. Additional features include a heads-up display providing real-time data on hydrogen levels and navigation, as well as a projective navigation system that illuminates paths for nighttime riding.

More to read:
[video] What would Chinese teach a robot? Kung-Fu, of course!

While Corleo is currently a concept model, Kawasaki envisions its potential as an alternative to traditional motorcycles for all-terrain exploration. The company has not announced a specific timeline for production and sale, but suggests that such technology could become mainstream by 2050.

Considering high-end materials, hydrogen tech, AI “brain” and robotics, the robot would cost today $100,000–$150,000.

For those eager to witness Corleo firsthand, a full-scale model will be on display at the Osaka-Kansai Expo from April to October 2025. Whether it's functional and up to the stated specifications is an open questions. 

Kawasaki posted a video about Corleo on its YouTube channel.

***

When you send us a coffee-worth amount, you are funding a small, science-loving media outlet. For 1 euro a month, you actually get a subscription to select topics covered from an unbiased point of view, in an easy to crack way to digest. You are also welcome to send as much as you like, any amount is welcome: PayPal office[at]rudeana.com or https://paypal.me/newscafeeu, or https://buymeacoffee.com/newscafe .