Powered by hydrogen fuel cell and with AI systems – Kawasaki’s wolf-inspired, four-legged robot lets riders traverse uneven terrain
Powered by a hydrogen fuel cell, the CORLEO responds to the rider’s body movements and features integrated AI systems for enhanced balance and navigation.
Kawasaki Heavy Industries Group, the multinational automotive conglomerate from Japan, has debuted the prototype of a hydrogen-powered, four-legged robot designed to be ridden by humans. Named CORLEO, the robotic vehicle was unveiled at a showcase event of the upcoming Osaka-Kansai Expo 2025.
The wolf-inspired CORLEO robot has four legs for navigating uneven topography and is envisioned as an all-terrain alternative to motorcycles. Riders mount it like a horse, but its movement and design are akin to agile animals like deer and panthers. According to the company, the vehicle is beginner-friendly, offering maneuverability, stability and allowing riders to traverse mountainous areas.
Leading the future of mobility
Powered by a hydrogen fuel cell and a 150cc engine, CORLEO reflects a growing trend among Japanese manufacturers to embrace cleaner energy solutions. Kawasaki envisions launching the rideable robot within the next 25 years, pegging it as a futuristic option for all-terrain exploration.
CORLEO’s four independent robotic legs operate autonomously. It also features integrated AI systems for enhanced balance and navigation. The design of the robot reportedly draws inspiration from video games such as PlayStation’s Horizon Zero Dawn.
Unlike traditional controls, CORLEO responds to the rider’s body movements. Shifting the rider’s center of gravity prompts the robot to adjust its steps real time. A heads-up display (HUD) delivers crucial data, including hydrogen levels, navigation details, and movement stability, such as weight distribution. However, as a conceptual model, CORLEO currently does not come with detailed technical specifications, such as information on speed, range, or battery life.
Kawasaki envisions this futuristic ‘animal robot’ eventually replacing the traditional off-road motorcycles. The company—known for building high-speed trains, aircraft engines, and off-road vehicles—is positioning itself at the forefront of innovation, as it leads the shift toward next-generation mobility in vehicle manufacturing.
Last year, the company demonstrated the Ninja H2 HySE motorbike, also powered by hydrogen, at the famed Suzuka Circuit in Japan. The launch of the motorcycle was touted as Kawasaki’s commitment to developing alternative fuel run vehicles and achieving carbon neutrality. With CORLEO, Kawasaki has leaped several steps ahead.
Expanding robotics portfolio
Robotics is rapidly emerging as a key focus for Kawasaki. In addition to developing the rideable CORLEO, the company is also working on the CL series—Industrial Collaborative Robots built to endure extreme temperatures and handle heavy industrial materials. These advanced machines are designed for tasks such as welding, machine tending, and palletizing across a range of manufacturing environments.
Furthermore, the Japanese manufacturer is expanding into education with the launch of Astorino, a robot designed to teach robotics and manufacturing skills in classrooms. Astorino aims to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience, providing students with an interactive learning tool.
Starting with the establishment of its robotics wing in 1989, Kawasaki branched out its focus into newer domains and now specializes in advanced industrial robotics. With several decades of experience in automation, the company has become one of the world’s leading companies in this field, pioneering new innovations focused on transforming manufacturing.
The company has also explored a range of applications and partnerships to integrate advanced tools into industrial processes, including a collaboration with AMT Precision Parts and Olis Robotics to develop a state-of-the-art remote monitoring and control system.
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Powered by hydrogen fuel cell and with AI systems – Kawasaki’s wolf-inspired, four-legged robot lets riders traverse uneven terrain, source
