Kawasaki unveils concept for a four-legged robot that you can ride

Kawasaki has unveiled a concept that offers a glimpse into the future of off-road personal mobility at the Osaka Expo 2025. Named the Corleo, the vehicle concept resembles a robotic horse and is powered by hydrogen. Though developed by Kawasaki Heavy Industries rather than Kawasaki Motors, the Corleo reflects the company's deep roots in motorcycle engineering.
Corleo's design merges familiarity with the futuristic. In the promotional video, the robotic horse is shown galloping across various terrains, demonstrating what Kawasaki describes as the "handling and stability of Kawasaki's motorcycles". Its four legs are equipped with rubber hooves that help absorb surface irregularities, ensuring grip. Notably, the rear half of the robot operates similarly to a swingarm—a signature feature of Kawasaki motorcycles.

As per Kawasaki, the control of the Corleo is rider-centric. Riders shift their weight on the stirrups and handlebars to steer the robotic beast. The video demonstrates riders adopting a jockey-like crouch at high speeds while transitioning to a more upright posture for navigating uneven ground.
A unique feature of the Corleo is its power source. The four-legged machine is driven by electricity generated from a 150cc hydrogen-burning engine, located between the front legs. The fuel tanks are housed in its hindquarters. An instrument panel provides essential information such as hydrogen levels, navigation data, and the robot's centre of gravity.

Despite its striking capabilities, the Corleo is still in its conceptual phase. The robot on display at the Osaka Expo is largely static, limited to standing and adjusting its posture. Although the video showcases the Corleo's agility and speed, achieving such movement remains a goal for future iterations.
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