Kawasaki’s Corleo is a radical new “rideable robot”, a hydrogen-fueled quadruped that riders can sit atop like a futuristic horse. Unveiled at the Expo 2025 in Osaka, Corleo blends Kawasaki’s motorcycle heritage (“Fun to Ride”) with advanced robotics to create a personal mobility concept. This four-legged vehicle is designed to carry a rider (and even a passenger) over mountains and rough terrain, using onboard AI vision and sensors to pick a path through rocks and forests. Kawasaki describes it as an off-road adventure machine that “scales mountains, breathes in the fresh air, and enjoy[s] panoramic views,” unleashing the “Impulse to Move” in nature.

Four Legs and Hooves: Designed for Rough Terrain

Corleo’s chassis mimics a motorcycle’s feel but trades wheels for four independently articulating legs. Each rear leg has a swing-arm joint that moves separately from the front legs, smoothing out shocks when walking or running. At the end of each leg is a rubber “hoof” split down the middle, which conforms to uneven ground and grips surfaces from grass to gravel to rocky slopes. This legged platform keeps the rider’s body naturally upright even on steep climbs or steps. In short, Corleo offers superior stability and shock absorption: it can walk, climb, and even leap in ways wheeled vehicles cannot, keeping the rider balanced and facing forward.

Hydrogen Engine and Clean Power

Instead of gasoline or battery packs, Corleo is powered by a compact 150cc hydrogen engine that drives onboard generators. A hydrogen canister mounted at the rear feeds the engine, which produces electricity for the motors in each leg. Because the fuel is hydrogen, Corleo’s only tailpipe emission is water; literally fresh water that could even be chilled and dispensed for the rider (Kawasaki wryly notes it “comes out the back” of the robot). This zero-emission setup makes Corleo a very eco-friendly off-roader. In essence, it runs like a small fuel-cell vehicle: quiet, clean, and rugged enough to sustain long off-grid adventures.

AI Control and Rider Interface

Corleo isn’t just a mechanical horse; it’s smart, too. Its computer systems constantly analyse the positions of the legs, the terrain, and the rider. According to Kawasaki (and observers), the machine uses AI-driven vision to plan each footfall ahead of time, choosing safe footholds as it moves. The rider steers Corleo intuitively by shifting body weight and using a handlebar; adjustable stirrups help maintain an optimal posture. An instrument panel in front of the rider displays data like hydrogen fuel level, route guidance and even the rider’s centre-of-gravity. At night, the system can project illuminated arrows or markers onto the ground, showing the planned path and improving visibility. In short, Corleo is designed to “feel” like a single unit with the rider: it continuously monitors the rider’s movements and body language to stay balanced and secure.

Adventure, Tourism and Beyond

Corleo is aimed at outdoor enthusiasts and adventure tourism. Kawasaki envisions it as the ultimate trail vehicle – a safe, fun way to explore wilderness areas without disturbing the environment. One travel-industry analysis even dubs Corleo a hydrogen-powered “mechanical pack animal” for extreme terrain. Imagine riding one on a mountain trek or a guided forest tour: instead of dirt bikes or ATVs, a silent, four-legged robot carries you and your gear. Because it can handle varied terrain and produce no pollution, Corleo could open new possibilities for eco-tourism, search-and-rescue teams, or rural transport in inaccessible areas. In essence, it targets anyone who currently uses horses, ATVs or drones for remote mobility – adding Kawasaki’s signature thrill to the experience.

Implications for Mobility and Tech Sectors

While Corleo is currently a concept for 2050 rather than a production vehicle, its unveiling signals where mobility innovation may be headed. It demonstrates Kawasaki’s push into a new category of personal mobility that marries AI robotics with sustainable energy. For the tech world, Corleo is a showcase of advanced robotics,  legged locomotion, real-time terrain mapping and human–machine integration. In the mobility sector, it underlines growing interest in hydrogen power and eco-friendly off-road solutions. Taken together, Corleo suggests a future where vehicles adapt dynamically to riders and landscapes, giving a taste of how adventure travel and daily transport might evolve. As Kawasaki puts it, this “fun to ride” concept is all about inspiring movement in the great outdoors and showing that the limits of mobility may be unknown.

Stefania Ambela, Communications Specialist, iTechScope, 28/05/2025