Kawasaki's amazing hydrogen-powered robot horse gallops into the future

Popularly known for motorcycles, Kawasaki Heavy Industries also specializes in many other sectors. It recently unveiled what may be one of the most extravagant prototypes you've ever seen. It's the Corleo, a two-seater quadruped robot that drives itself with the rider's own body and is capable of navigating difficult terrain thanks to artificial vision.

Its design and movements clearly resemble those of a horse, but in this case, it's a very special "steed," powered by a 150cc hydrogen engine with zero emissions. Unveiled this month in Japan, the Corleo is fuel-cell powered and features electric technology.

Its "hind legs" have a specific articulation to improve impact resistance when falling, as the vehicle is not only capable of walking but also jumping. When in contact with the ground, its forked hooves have non-slip rubber treads.

Sustainable project It is designed to operate with a fuel cell and without generating polluting emissions.

The footpegs themselves are adjustable in length and adapt to a wide range of riders, who will ride holding onto a handlebar and sitting on a floating seat with enough room for a second occupant.

The Corleo features a wind deflector and, behind it, a small dashboard with a full-color display. As you can see in the accompanying video, the Kawasaki vehicle is designed for difficult and demanding terrain.

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Its artificial intelligence carefully analyzes potential footsteps and chooses the safest options, responding to the driver's body language as its primary control. At night, it can also mark the path to follow with a series of arrows projected in front of the driver.

As you can imagine, this vehicle is far from becoming a reality, although a prototype capable of standing up and performing some movements has been produced.

Multiple movements This vehicle is not only capable of walking but also galloping and jumping.

The Japanese firm claims it's an idea for a mobility project for 2050, so we'll still have to wait many years until something similar can run through the mountains.

However, we won't have to wait that long to see quadrupeds on the move. In fact, the Chinese firm Xpeng unveiled a ride-on Unicorn in Thailand last year, equipped with a robotic arm capable of lifting objects up to 3 kg.

It's clear that Kawasaki's proposal goes far beyond a Unicorn for touring, as its Corleo would be a true high-speed off-road beast capable of moving on almost any type of terrain.

If you're interested in enjoying the capabilities Kawasaki has envisioned for this unusual offering, just take a look at the video attached to this article.