Kawasaki has unveiled the concept of a new robot humans can drive, the CORLEO, at the latest Kansai International Expo in Osaka. The new robot has been named by the manufacturer the CORLEO. The robot itself has four legs to crisscross the planes, and is initially thought of as an alternative to motorcycles in all-terrain touring.
The idea is for the user to ride the robot like you’d ride a horse, but CORLEO moves more like a dog or a panther. Its design is also inspired by these animals, as it is agile and has joints.
At the core of the robot is a fuel cell that is powered by hydrogen. This has become a common power practice in Japanese car manufacturers.
The Kawasaki robot that humans can drive is expected to launch before 2050
Kawasaki’s CORLEO robot is expected to launch at some point in the next 25 years. The Japanese company, which also manufactures high-speed trains, turnkey factories, aircraft engines, and other premium off-road vehicles, is aiming to offer alternatives for all-terrain exploration.
The manufacturer expects the traditional all-terrain motorcycle to be replaced by this futuristic ‘animal’, and Kawasaki wants to keep establishing itself as an innovator in the vehicle manufacturing industry by leading this transition.
This is wild.
Japan's Kawasaki just built a 4 legged robot, CORLEO, that runs, climbs, and jumps like a horse.
Runs on hydrogen.
Feels like riding a sci-fi beast🤯
6 insane features: pic.twitter.com/2vl2wST6Yn
— Min Choi (@minchoi) April 5, 2025
CORLEO also features four flexible-legged hooves with advanced suspension, and is also expected to integrate AI systems for balance and navigation. The design is also said to take inspiration from video games like PlayStation’s Horizon Zero Dawn.
The manufacturer is developing Industrial Collaborative Robots
Robotics is quickly becoming an area of interest for Kawasaki, as besides the robot humans can ride, the manufacturer is currently developing Industrial Collaborative Robots, the CL series. These cutting-edge robots can withstand incredible temperatures and move around industrial materials. The robots are used for a variety of applications, including welding, machine tending, and palletizing.
The Japanese manufacturer is also breaking into education by launching Astorino, a robot that is made to teach robotics and manufacturing skills in classrooms.
Kawasaki Heavy industries Group just announced CORLEO, how insane is that? pic.twitter.com/SIGsbNnGZk
— GTheMaximalist (@GTheMaximalist) April 4, 2025
Kawasaki has also explored various applications and partnerships for integrating cutting-edge tools for industrial processes. The manufacturer has partnered with AMT Precision Parts to develop an advanced remote monitoring and control system with Olis Robotics.
The company, which was founded in 1896, began as a manufacturer of steamship boilers. Kawasaki Robotics focuses on developing advanced industrial robots and is among the leading companies in automation in the world, as it has more than 50 years of experience in this field.