Get ready to ride: Kawasaki unveils its hydrogen-powered robot horse

Kawasaki reveals Corleo, a hydrogen-powered robotic horse, at Osaka Expo 2025.

: Kawasaki introduced a revolutionary concept, the Corleo, a hydrogen-powered robotic horse able to carry two persons and maneuver various terrains. The robotic horse is powered by a 150cc hydrogen engine, with unique leg movements designed for stability and shock absorption. Riders control Corleo via weight shifts and handlebars similar to actual horse riding, and its different terrains adaptability includes grasslands and rubble fields. While the Corleo's release is ambitious, it was nevertheless a focal point at the Osaka-Kansai Expo 2025, displaying its future potential albeit at a reduced pace compared to demonstration videos.

At the Osaka-Kansai Expo 2025, Kawasaki surprised everyone with its unveiling of Corleo, a hydrogen-fueled, full-sized robotic horse that resembles an advanced manifestation of innovation and technology. Corleo is equipped with a 150cc engine that operates on hydrogen, an eco-friendly fuel option, supporting Kawasaki's endeavor to merge robotics with sustainability. According to Kawasaki, what sets Corleo apart in the tech world is not just its hydrogen engine but its meticulously engineered body that mimics the dynamism of a real horse, allowing it to traverse various terrains such as grasslands, rocky paths, and rubble fields.

The guiding mechanics are equally impressive, integrating a unique control system that involves steering the horse by shifting body weight, allowing riders to control the mechanical steed as naturally as they would with a real horse. This control system is integrated into the stirrups and handlebars, making the experience authentic and intuitive for the rider. Additionally, the dashboard, located behind a windscreen, provides essential information such as hydrogen levels, center of gravity, and navigation, including nighttime guidance via ground-projected markers, enhancing usability and safety.

The mechanics of Corleo's movement are particularly complex, with each leg featuring independent drive units powered by electricity generated from the engine. This independent movement allows for smooth operation over uneven terrain and helps manage shocks while in motion. Demonstration videos showcased the massive potential of the robot horse, with scenes of it galloping at high speeds with two riders, traversing rough terrains, and even scaling mountains.

Despite the initial skepticism due to the timing close to April Fool's Day, Corleo impressively held its ground at the Expo, pivoting attention away from its static display during the event to its highly dynamic demonstrations in promotional materials. While its commercial release may still be distant, the Corleo represents Kawasaki's ambitious stride into futuristic transportation, blending imaginative robotics with cutting-edge energy solutions.

With rapid advancements in robotics and related technologies, companies like Boston Dynamics, Unitree, and Figure are pushing similar boundaries, hinting that the age of robotic companions and transport modes might not be too far away. Kawasaki's robot horse might very well signal an era where mechanical steeds will run alongside electric cars in progressive urban landscapes.

Sources: TechSpot, Twitter, Kawasaki, Osaka-Kansai Expo

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