🦁 Imagine riding a robotic horse through snowy mountains and rocky terrain. What seemed like a 2050 dream is now racing toward reality—with a working prototype expected in just four years. Meet CORLEO, Kawasaki's hydrogen-powered four-legged mobility vehicle that's turning science fiction into science fact.
What Is CORLEO? The Heart of a Lion
CORLEO is a four-legged off-road personal mobility vehicle developed by Kawasaki Heavy Industries. The name derives from "Cor Leonis," the Latin name for Regulus, the brightest star in the Leo constellation, meaning "heart of the lion."
This robotic horse represents an entirely new category of transportation. Unlike traditional motorcycles or ATVs, riders straddle the machine and control it through weight shifting—just like riding a real horse. With four mechanical legs instead of wheels, CORLEO can traverse mountain terrain, snow-covered landscapes, and rocky areas that would be impossible for conventional vehicles.
Kawasaki's unique advantage lies in combining decades of motorcycle expertise with advanced robotics. The rear legs feature a swing-arm mechanism borrowed from motorcycle technology, moving independently to absorb shock. This allows riders to maintain a stable, forward-facing posture even on steep inclines.
Powered by Hydrogen for Environmental Responsibility
CORLEO runs on a 150cc hydrogen engine. Hydrogen canisters mounted in the rear legs supply fuel to the engine, which generates electricity to power drive units in each leg.
By choosing hydrogen propulsion, Kawasaki achieves low-emission, near-silent operation—crucial for exploring natural environments without disturbing wildlife or contributing to pollution. This aligns with Kawasaki's broader involvement in hydrogen infrastructure development.
The design targets a top speed of approximately 62 mph (100 km/h). Engineers studied the movements of cheetahs and leopards to optimize the machine's form and locomotion patterns.
Osaka Expo 2025: 1.2 Billion Social Media Impressions
CORLEO made its public debut at the "Future City" pavilion during the Osaka-Kansai Expo in April 2025. Initially presented as a "2050 concept model," the full-scale prototype couldn't walk but demonstrated various poses by flexing its legs.
The CGI promotional video showing CORLEO galloping through snowy mountains and leaping over obstacles went viral, generating approximately 1.2 billion cumulative social media impressions worldwide.
Overwhelmed by this response, Kawasaki formally announced in December 2025 that it was accelerating development toward commercialization—decades ahead of the original schedule.
Targeting Riyadh Expo 2030 for Real-World Debut
Kawasaki has established a dedicated "SAFE ADVENTURE Business Development Team" reporting directly to the company president. The revised timeline is ambitious:
Development Roadmap
| Timeline | Milestone |
|---|---|
| 2027 | Riding simulator completed |
| 2030 | Deployment as venue mobility at Riyadh Expo, Saudi Arabia |
| 2035 | Commercial product launch |
| 2040 | Target ¥300 billion (~$2 billion) in related business revenue |
At the Riyadh Expo, Kawasaki aims to have visitors actually riding CORLEOs around the venue—a dramatic demonstration of the technology's real-world capability.
The SAFE ADVENTURE Vision: Zero Mountain Accidents
CORLEO is the centerpiece of Kawasaki's broader "SAFE ADVENTURE" concept, which aims to make mountainous regions safely accessible to everyone while working toward zero mountain accidents.
The company is developing an integrated navigation system that detects weather conditions, temperature, road conditions, and wildlife presence. This information is relayed to smartphones or other devices to guide riders along safe routes. For night riding, the system can project path markers onto the ground.
Interestingly, Kawasaki collaborated with the Kobe University equestrian team during development. When motorcycle test riders straddled the prototype, their instincts led them to "ride it like a bike." Input from students with actual horseback riding experience helped optimize handlebar shapes and stirrup positions for more intuitive, horse-like control.
Gaming and eSports Expansion
The riding simulator scheduled for completion in 2027 will let users experience CORLEO in virtual reality. Kawasaki plans to license the 3D models and motion data developed during the project to the gaming and eSports industries.
This strategy allows potential customers to experience the CORLEO universe before the actual product hits the market—building anticipation and familiarity simultaneously.
Challenges and Outlook: The Road Ahead
Significant engineering challenges remain. Achieving the agility shown in promotional videos requires cutting-edge suspension and stability systems. Whether a near-production prototype can reach the demonstrated performance levels in just four years remains uncertain.
However, Boston Dynamics' four-legged robot "Spot" has already demonstrated remarkable capabilities, including herding sheep and navigating complex terrain. Scaling up such technology to carry a human rider isn't far-fetched.
Competition is also intensifying. Chinese companies like Unitree Robotics are rapidly advancing in the four-legged robot space. How CORLEO positions itself in this global landscape will be crucial.
Pricing remains undisclosed, though Kawasaki envisions combining CORLEO sales with outdoor adventure services and navigation systems as part of a comprehensive ecosystem.
Your Turn: What's Happening in Your Country?
Kawasaki's CORLEO represents a bold attempt to transform science fiction into reality. In Japan, reactions range from "I can't wait to ride one!" to practical questions about feasibility and pricing.
This fusion of robotics and hydrogen energy could reshape how we think about personal mobility. What innovative transportation technologies are being developed in your country? Are there similar projects combining robots and sustainable energy? Share your thoughts in the comments!
References
- https://www.khi.co.jp/pressrelease/detail/20251203_1.html
- https://www.khi.co.jp/expo2025/concept01/index.html
- https://global.kawasaki.com/en/corp/newsroom/news/detail/?f=20251211_7502
- https://newatlas.com/motorcycles/kawasaki-robot-horse-corleo/
- https://futurism.com/robots-and-machines/kawasaki-robot-horse-production
- https://hypebeast.com/2026/1/kawasaki-moves-toward-production-for-the-corleo-hydrogen-powered-robotic-horse
Reactions in Japan
Saw it at the Expo and it was seriously cool. The crowd gasped every time the legs moved. So exciting that this will actually run someday.
2035 release means 10 years from now... Hope I'm still around... Want to ride it sooner.
Wonder how much it'll cost. Definitely more than a motorcycle, but if it exceeds ¥10 million (~$65,000), regular people won't be able to afford it.
Hydrogen stations need to spread first... No point making this if there's nowhere to refuel.
Kawasaki is serious about this. A project reporting directly to the president means they're committing major resources. Excited.
Looks super cool in CGI, but can it actually carry a person on mountain trails? Even Boston Dynamics' Spot can't carry humans.
As someone who rides horses, this is interesting. Unlike real horses, it won't get tired or complain lol
Honestly worried when I see Chinese companies like Unitree. While Japan talks about dreams, they're already building and selling actual robots.
Will you need a license? What about traffic laws? Can't use it on public roads, but okay for mountains only?
Love the story about Kobe University's equestrian team helping out. Smart to get input from horse riders instead of motorcycle riders.
Could be useful for mountain rescue. Real value if it can transport people in bad weather when helicopters can't fly.
Can it really hit 100km/h? At that speed on legs, a fall would mean serious injury.
Simulator coming in 2027 for real? Definitely want to try it in VR. Hope they put it in arcades.
Great opportunity to showcase Japan's technological prowess. 1.2 billion impressions at the Expo proves global attention.
Love the name CORLEO. Heart of the lion. Great naming sense.
Honestly thought 'no way this is happening' when I saw it at the Expo. Didn't expect them to actually start development.
How will maintenance work? Regular bike shops can't handle this. Are they building a dedicated service network?
Loved hearing the hooves are based on mountain goat hooves. Love how they apply nature's wisdom to engineering.
So it's like a giant Boston Dynamics Spot that you can ride. Very Japanese approach and interesting. Would definitely want to try it if it becomes real.
This would be amazing in Swedish Lapland. There are so many areas where conventional vehicles struggle during winter.
Great concept, but I question if it's truly safe on steep Alpine terrain. One fall could mean a serious accident.
2030 debut is too late. Chinese company Unitree is already mass-producing quadruped robots. Japanese companies move too slowly.
The hydrogen power is unique. Hydrogen infrastructure is still developing in Germany too, but practical examples like this might accelerate adoption.
I'm a trekking guide in Patagonia. This robot horse could let elderly people or those with limited fitness enjoy the spectacular scenery.
Honestly the CGI looks great but I'm skeptical how close the real thing will perform. Feels like it'll get delayed like Elon Musk's robotaxi.
Hyundai in Korea acquired Boston Dynamics and is advancing robot development. The Asian robotics competition is heating up.
In rural Carpathian areas, horses are still important transportation. If this robot horse becomes affordable, it could change lives.
Excited to see it at Riyadh Expo. If this technology is proven in Saudi deserts, it could spread across the Middle East.
Many wetland and hilly areas in Ireland restrict vehicle access. Moving on legs might have less environmental impact.
Japanese living in Australia here. If this could work in vast areas like the Outback, it would greatly expand tourism possibilities.
Fjord tourism is popular in Norway but many scenic spots are hard to access. Vehicles like this could create new experiences.
Could work for wildlife observation in Brazil's Pantanal wetlands. If it's quiet, we could approach animals without startling them.
Military applications concern me. The military always takes interest in tech like this. Hope it stays limited to peaceful uses.
Living in Canada. Would be amazing to ride this in Rocky Mountain backcountry. Could work for winter ski area approaches too.