At the Osaka‑Kansai Expo 2025, Kawasaki Heavy Industries unveiled an eye‑catching futuristic concept robot called CORLEO — a hydrogen‑powered, four‑legged robotic vehicle designed to be ridden by humans and envisioned as a next‑generation mobility platform for 2050 and beyond.
The CORLEO robot combines advanced robotics, AI and clean energy to redefine how people might explore difficult terrain in the future. Unlike traditional wheeled vehicles, its four independently articulated legs, each powered by electric motors fed from a 150 cc hydrogen engine, give it the ability to adapt to uneven, off‑road surfaces with stability and agility.
Inspired by animal locomotion and Kawasaki’s motorcycle heritage, CORLEO replaces wheels with adaptive hooves that provide shock absorption and grip on grass, rocks, gravel and slopes. Riders are expected to interact intuitively with the robot: shifting body weight can influence direction and movement similar to horseback riding, while the onboard heads‑up display shows vital information such as hydrogen levels, navigation routes and balance data. Though still a concept vehicle, Kawasaki positions CORLEO as a vision for future personal mobility — offering a blend of adventure, clean energy propulsion and AI‑assisted motion control. With its hydrogen‑powered clean output and unique structural design, the robot represents a fresh take on sustainable transport that could one day replace conventional off‑road vehicles.
Exhibited under the “Impulse to Move” theme at the Expo, CORLEO captures the imagination of tech enthusiasts and mobility innovators alike, hinting at a future where humans might literally ride a robot into the wilderness.
