Japan has once again showcased its unmatched innovation. This time, it is not about humanoid robots or factory automation, but a revolutionary machine designed to replace motorcycles entirely. Kawasaki Heavy Industries is developing a futuristic robot—Corleo—that rides like a bike, moves like a horse, looks like a lion, and even talks like a human.
A First-of-Its-Kind Rideable Robot
Kawasaki Heavy Industries, one of Japan’s most renowned engineering giants, has revealed plans to build a robot that can go where no bike or vehicle can reach.
Corleo, expected to hit the market by 2035, will allow humans to access locations such as:
- Mountain peaks
- Dense forests
- Streams and rugged terrain
- Areas where roads do not exist
This robot stunned visitors during its early demonstrations, leaving audiences amazed by its movement and lifelike presence.
Why Corleo Is Unlike Anything Seen Before
According to a report by The Star, Project Manager Takahiro Ueno said the biggest challenge was synchronising the robot’s movement with human commands.
Corleo responds to the rider just like a vehicle or an animal:
- Handlebars control it like a motorcycle
- Foot stirrups allow control like a horse
- It follows verbal commands
- It communicates back using built-in interactive voice AI
The company already has conversational robots, and that technology will be integrated into Corleo—making the ride more engaging and less lonely.
Will It Cost a Fortune?
Surprisingly, no.
Although many expected a premium product to cost more than 1 crore yen (approx. ₹5 crore), Kawasaki clarified that Corleo will be priced in the lakhs, making it accessible to ordinary buyers. This positions Corleo as a futuristic consumer vehicle rather than a luxury concept.
Powerful and Practical Engineering
Corleo weighs about 200 kg and can support a total load of 300 kg, meaning riders up to 100 kg can ride comfortably.
Unlike typical electric robots, Corleo runs on a hydrogen engine:
- Equipped with four hydrogen tanks
- Capable of running all day
- No charging or petrol needed
- Extra tanks can be carried for long outdoor journeys
This makes the robot ideal for explorers, trekkers, and rescue operations.
A Robot That Talks and Listens
Corleo understands voice commands and responds with natural conversation.
This voice-assisted technology will not only help in navigation but also ensure that riders never feel alone during long journeys.
A Hit Even Before Launch
Kawasaki wasn’t sure how people would react to such an unconventional machine. But at Expo Osaka 2025, Corleo’s prototype became an instant sensation.
It also dominated the world’s biggest robot exhibition, iREX Tokyo 2025, where it was one of the biggest crowd-pullers.
Japan’s Robot Industry Back on Track
After facing a slowdown, Japan’s robotics sector is rapidly recovering. In the third quarter of 2025:
- Robot orders increased by 26% compared to last year
- Over 49,000 robots were sold
- Total sales reached 221 billion yen
Corleo reflects this renewed momentum and Japan’s determination to lead the next era of robotic mobility.
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