Kawasaki Heavy Industries – Hydrogen-powered Corleo: The robot horse of the future is revolutionizing off-road mobility

The mobile future: four legs, zero emissions

Corleo celebrated its public debut (at least digitally) at the Kansai Expo 2025 in Osaka. The concept: four individually controllable legs can carry up to two people over uneven terrain. A 150 cm³ hydrogen engine powers the electric motors in the legs. The only emission is water vapor. This makes the Corleo an environmentally conscious off-road vehicle. Its movement is more like that of a living organism than a classic vehicle. Instead of wheels: leg motors. Instead of handlebars: weight shifting. Whoever rides it steers it – it's almost like riding a real animal. There is a handlebar, but it is used more for stabilization than for conventional steering.

Artificial intelligence as a scout

Another highlight of the concept is the integration of artificial intelligence. Corleo analyzes the terrain in real time and independently decides which route is the safest. At night, it projects small navigation arrows onto the ground – futuristic and practical at the same time.

This type of terrain analysis is particularly useful for disaster relief, reconnaissance missions, or extreme outdoor environments. At least, if the robot can actually walk.

Robotics: You don't have to work alone

Kawasaki isn't the only company toying with the idea of a mobile robot. Chinese manufacturer Xpeng Motors has unveiled a robot unicorn designed for children, complete with a tail to grab onto. Gadgets like this show that there is a growing market for emotional robots and that wheels are not necessary for mobility.

The enthusiasm for bionic movement – machines that move like living organisms – is growing. But it is still in its infancy.