Japanese Kawasaki’s wild concept vehicle takes robot horses to next level

In a recent article, New Atlas highlights that Japanese Kawasaki Heavy Industries has unveiled what could be one of the most extraordinary concept vehicles to date—introducing the Corleo, a two-seat, four-legged robot designed for tackling tough terrain with AI-powered vision and body control. 

While horses are an age-old mode of transport, the Corleo takes a futuristic twist. Forget mischievous behavior and the less-than-pleasant outcomes from behind—this robot produces nothing but fresh, clean water from its hydrogen-powered 150cc generator engine.

And if you're lucky, it might even dispense chilled water from a handy underslung dispenser, perfect for a refreshing break on a mountain adventure. Unveiled at the Osaka Kansai Expo preview on April 4, the Corleo is powered by hydrogen fuel cells, staying true to the innovative nature of Japanese concepts. It appears to be electrically actuated, featuring rear legs with an extra joint for better impact resistance. 

🇯🇵 Japanese company Kawasaki has unveiled CORLEO, an innovative robotic horse powered by a hydrogen engine and equipped with artificial intelligence.

It constantly analyses the position of both the robot and the rider, ensuring that the rider is securely held in the saddle. pic.twitter.com/w8Lu4CqQEg

— Lord Bebo (@MyLordBebo) April 5, 2025

The idea? Possibly to help the robot leap over obstacles and prepare for the future robot wars—though the implications for riding are clear, too! The robot’s split "hooves" come with grippy rubber treads, while adjustable stirrups cater to a wide range of riders. The floating seat unit can accommodate a passenger and moves independently of the robot’s rear joints, giving riders a unique experience. A wind-deflecting screen suggests the Corleo could gallop at speeds above 50 mph (80 km/h), while a small, full-color dashboard sits behind it for added navigation. 

As seen in the preview videos, the Corleo shows off its intense off-road capabilities, able to leap from rock to rock and sprint across uneven terrain. Its AI constantly analyzes the terrain ahead, choosing the safest routes and responding to the rider’s body language as the primary input. Night riders can expect little arrows to light up the path ahead, offering a glimpse into the robot's future movements. But let’s be clear—while the Corleo is a thrilling concept, it's pure fantasy for now. The video is CGI, and while Kawasaki has produced a prototype capable of standing and posing, the company envisions this as part of a 2050 mobility project. 

Given Japan's projected demographic shifts, it’s hard to say whether the Corleo will ever come to life—or whether Japan itself will even make it to 2050. Still, the idea of rideable quadrupeds is not far-fetched. Last year, XPeng showcased a rideable unicorn in Bangkok designed for children, complete with a robotic tail capable of picking up small objects. Considering the rapid advancements in quadruped technology, a two-seater like the Corleo could be a reality by 2030. 

However, Kawasaki’s vision of a high-speed, all-terrain robot might be a step too far. Riders would definitely need to be securely fastened for some of its more daring jumps or risk flipping over the handlebars and being squashed by their own hydrogen-powered steed. But, props to Kawasaki for the bold concept. It’s certainly an exciting glimpse into what the future of transport could look like. 

By Naila Huseynova