7 Apr 2025

Kawasaki’s wolf-like, four-legged robot enables riders to navigate rough and uneven terrain with ease.

Kawasaki Heavy Industries Group, the Japanese multinational automotive giant, has unveiled a prototype of its hydrogen-powered, four-legged rideable robot named CORLEO. The futuristic robot made its debut at a preview event for the upcoming Osaka-Kansai Expo 2025.

Inspired by the form and agility of wolves, CORLEO is built with four robotic legs designed to handle rough and uneven terrain, positioning it as an all-terrain alternative to traditional motorcycles. Riders sit on it much like riding a horse, but its movement is more akin to agile animals such as deer or panthers. Kawasaki describes the robot as beginner-friendly, offering a stable and maneuverable ride through mountainous or rugged landscapes.

Pioneering the future of mobility

CORLEO runs on a hydrogen fuel cell paired with a 150cc engine, aligning with Japan’s growing push toward clean energy innovations. Kawasaki envisions commercializing the robot within the next 25 years as a next-generation solution for off-road exploration.

Each of CORLEO’s four robotic legs operates independently and is supported by advanced AI systems for superior balance and navigation. Its design is reportedly influenced by video games, particularly the PlayStation title Horizon Zero Dawn.

Unlike traditional vehicles that rely on manual controls, CORLEO is operated through intuitive body movements. When a rider shifts their center of gravity, the robot responds in real-time by adjusting its steps accordingly. A built-in heads-up display (HUD) provides vital information, including hydrogen levels, navigation data, and movement stability metrics such as weight distribution. However, as a concept model, CORLEO currently lacks detailed technical specifications, including speed, range, and battery life.

Kawasaki envisions this futuristic "animal robot" as a potential replacement for conventional off-road motorcycles. Known for its innovations in high-speed trains, aircraft engines, and rugged vehicles, the company is now positioning itself as a leader in next-generation mobility solutions.

Last year, Kawasaki showcased its hydrogen-powered Ninja H2 HySE motorcycle at Japan’s iconic Suzuka Circuit—a milestone underscoring the company’s commitment to alternative fuel technologies and carbon neutrality. With CORLEO, Kawasaki takes that vision even further, pushing the boundaries of what mobility can look like in the future.

Expanding its robotics frontier

Robotics is becoming an increasingly central pillar of Kawasaki’s innovation strategy. Alongside CORLEO, the company is developing the CL series—industrial collaborative robots engineered to withstand extreme temperatures and handle heavy-duty materials. These machines are tailored for demanding tasks such as welding, machine tending, and palletizing in various manufacturing environments.

In addition, the Japanese manufacturer is venturing into the education sector with the introduction of Astorino—a robot specifically developed to teach robotics and manufacturing skills in classroom settings. Astorino is designed to bridge the gap between theory and practical application, offering students an engaging, hands-on learning experience.

Since launching its robotics division in 1989, Kawasaki has steadily expanded its focus into emerging technologies and now stands as a global leader in advanced industrial robotics. Backed by decades of automation expertise, the company continues to drive innovation aimed at revolutionizing manufacturing processes.

Kawasaki has also pursued various applications and strategic partnerships to bring cutting-edge tools into industrial settings. Among these is a collaboration with AMT Precision Parts and Olis Robotics to develop a sophisticated remote monitoring and control system.