Jakarta, Indonesia Sentinel — Kawasaki Heavy Industries Group gain attentions after revealed a new robotic innovation concept that blends nature-inspired design with advanced robotics: a four-legged, rideable robot named CORLEO.
Debuting in a teaser video posted to the company’s official YouTube channel in April 3, CORLEO marks a bold step into the world of biomimetic robotics, and could signal a turning point for mobility solutions in rugged environments.
Unlike conventional legged robots that rely on flat feet or wheels, CORLEO moves with articulated legs with a hoof-like feet, giving it the ability to walk, climb, and traverse difficult terrains such as rocky trails, slopes, and stairs with impressive agility.
Instead of wheels, Kawasaki designed the robots wit a hooves. According to YourStory, Kawasaki engineers say the decision to use hooves was based on extensive research into terrain adaptability. Wheels perform well on flat surfaces but often struggle with natural, uneven landscapes.
Meanwhile, hoofed legs provide a more stable point of contact and, paired with a system of precision actuators and sensors, allow CORLEO to react dynamically to environmental changes from construction sites to mountain paths.
The robot is powered by a hydrogen-based engine and equipped with advanced artificial intelligence, allowing it to respond not just to terrain changes but to the rider’s body movements. Shifting one’s center of gravity prompts the robot to adjust its gait in real time, a concept inspired by Kawasaki’s expertise in motorcycle dynamics. This makes the ride feel less like controlling a machine and more like becoming one with a mount.
This design philosophy reflects a growing global trend: leveraging biomimicry to solve real-world engineering challenges. Inspired by animals like horses and mountain goats, CORLEO showcases the potential of nature-based designs in overcoming the limitations of traditional robotics.
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Although still a concept, CORLEO is already drawing interest from multiple sectors including disaster relief, agriculture, infrastructure inspection, and even entertainment. Kawasaki envisions its robotic mount helping deliver supplies in disaster zones, transporting people through theme parks, or assisting workers in hazardous job sites where wheeled vehicles can’t go.
While no commercial release date of CORLEO has been announced, Kawasaki plans to begin limited pilot programs by late 2025. As development continues, CORLEO may well redefine what’s possible in robotic mobility, offering a futuristic ride that’s as capable as it is innovative.
(Raidi/Agung)
