Kawasaki Heavy Industries has revealed an unusual concept vehicle for Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan—a hydrogen-powered four-legged robot designed for off-road personal mobility. Known as the CORLEO, the machine reflects Kawasaki’s approach to integrating robotics with mobility solutions for the year 2050.
Instead of wheels or tracks, the CORLEO uses four robotic legs to navigate terrain. Each leg operates independently and is powered by an electric motor that draws energy from a hydrogen-fueled 150cc engine. This engine generates electricity on board, allowing the vehicle to move steadily across uneven surfaces such as rubble, grasslands, or rocky terrain. The hooves at the end of each leg are made from slip-resistant rubber to improve stability and grip.
The company has described the concept as part of its broader initiative titled “Kawasaki Future Lab,” which explores transport solutions in harsh or off-grid environments. According to Kawasaki, “CORLEO is the first attempt to realize a riding-type quadruped robot for off-road personal mobility.” The design combines the company’s existing expertise in motorcycle engineering, robotic systems, and hydrogen technology.
The rider interface includes a display panel that shows vital information such as the remaining hydrogen fuel, the system’s current status, and the center of gravity. In low-light conditions, the CORLEO projects visual markers onto the ground to indicate the intended path, helping guide the rider safely over uneven terrain.
Kawasaki envisions the CORLEO as a concept for remote mobility in areas where wheeled vehicles might struggle. While still in its early stages, the project reflects ongoing efforts by major manufacturers to think beyond conventional transportation methods—especially in response to sustainability challenges and the demand for new mobility platforms.
The CORLEO will be showcased at Expo 2025, which runs from April 13 to October 13 on Yumeshima Island in Osaka Bay. The six-month-long event is expected to attract global attention, providing a platform for innovations focused on future living and sustainable technologies.
As of now, the CORLEO remains a concept with no commercial release or pricing details announced. It stands more as a technical exploration than a market-ready product, but it provides insight into where Kawasaki and the wider industry may be headed in terms of mobility design.
Source: Kawasaki Group Channel
