Kawasaki Heavy Industries has unveiled its latest innovation in personal mobility: the CORLEO concept. This groundbreaking vehicle represents Kawasaki’s vision for the future of off-road transportation, blending advanced robotics with traditional motorcycle engineering to create a unique riding experience.
Design and Mobility
The CORLEO is a four-legged robotic vehicle designed to be ridden by humans. This innovative design allows it to traverse terrains that are typically challenging for traditional wheeled vehicles, offering enhanced stability and maneuverability. The rear leg units can swing independently from the front, absorbing shocks during movement and maintaining optimal rider posture, even when climbing steps.
Technological Innovation
Emphasizing sensory interaction, the CORLEO aims to provide riders with an immersive experience, responding intuitively to user inputs and environmental conditions. Riders can control the machine through weight shifts detected by steps and handlebars, with adjustable stirrups to maintain optimal posture. The four legs are equipped with hooves featuring a left-right divided structure made of rubber, allowing adaptation to various terrains, including grasslands, rocky areas, and rubble fields.
Power and Navigation Systems
The CORLEO is equipped with a 150cc hydrogen engine for power generation, with hydrogen supplied from a canister mounted at the rear. The generated electricity powers the drive units installed in each of the four legs. An instrument panel displays hydrogen levels, route information, and center of gravity position. At night, it projects markers onto the road surface to indicate the path ahead, supporting optimal riding.
Future Implications
As a concept model for 2050, the CORLEO reflects Kawasaki’s commitment to pioneering advancements in personal mobility. Its introduction at Expo 2025 serves as a platform to gauge public interest and gather feedback, potentially influencing future production models. This concept aligns with Kawasaki’s exhibition theme “Impulse to Move,” emphasizing the innate human desire for movement and exploration.
In summary, the Kawasaki CORLEO concept represents a bold step towards redefining personal mobility, merging robotic technology with traditional riding dynamics to navigate diverse terrains.