Kawasaki CORLEO: A Hydrogen-Powered Robot That You Can Ride On
The Japanese company Kawasaki is demonstrating that Boston Dynamics isn't the only company capable of building spectacular-looking robotic quadrupeds. The company, known to private customers primarily for its motorcycle division, unveiled the "Concept-01 Corleo" at the Expo in Osaka/Kansai, which kicks off in western Japan this Sunday (13.04.2025) and which has gone viral for its futuristic design.
Quadruped robot taken from the world of video games
Behind the name lies a robotic assistant in the design phase, which is not only a motorcycle-lion hybrid, but is also intended to serve as a cargo and transport vehicle. It also promises to tackle terrain where conventional vehicles fail.
The machine's four limbs can be controlled individually. They feature "rubber hooves" designed to provide good traction. The "rear," or the module with the hind legs, is implemented with a kind of "swing arm" that absorbs most of the impact when walking and running and is largely mechanically separated from the seat and front. This is intended to make the ride more comfortable, even on rocky terrain.
Corleo is powered by a 150 cubic centimeter hydrogen engine, which provides the necessary power for operation and is intended to keep the robot's emissions manageable. While the production costs have not been quantified, the device emits only water vapor during use. Materials based primarily on metal and carbon fiber are used for its construction.
Kawasaki relies on the Segway approach for control. Instead of using joysticks, buttons, or levers, the robot uses sensors in the handlebar and footrest to detect the rider's weight shifts and reacts accordingly with changes in direction.
The manufacturer speaks of "a secure feeling of unity between man and machine." A display provides information about the hydrogen tank level, the route and map position, as well as the rider's current center of gravity. At night, Corleo not only offers headlights but also projects markers on the ground that show the optimal path through the terrain in the chosen direction.
Possible market launch
However, it will be some time before Kawasaki launches the Corleo—or a robot based on it. The concept presentation is intended to provide insight into the company's longer-term vision for the future. Accordingly, specifications such as payload capacity, range, or top speed have not yet been determined. A possible market launch could take place around 2050.
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