Kawasaki’s Hydrogen-Powered Robot Horse Is Real — And Yes, It’s as Wild as It Sounds

Have you ever dreamed of riding a robot horse powered by clean energy? No? Well, Kawasaki has made one anyway — and it's turning heads.
Meet Corleo, Kawasaki’s futuristic take on horseback riding — minus the actual horse. Recently unveiled at the Osaka-Kansai Expo 2025, Corleo is a hydrogen-powered robotic quadruped designed to give riders the feel of riding a living creature, without the hay, vet bills, or—let’s be honest—the unpredictable mood swings.
Wait, A Robot What?That’s right. Kawasaki built a robot animal you can ride. It walks on four legs, has what they’re calling "hooves" made of rubber and metal for better grip, and is shaped like… well, a cross between a lion, a horse, and a sci-fi creature. The name “Corleo” may hint at its design roots: “cor” meaning heart and “leo” meaning lion.
While it’s not ready to gallop off into the sunset just yet, the concept is very real. So far, Kawasaki has only shown off a mostly stationary prototype, but the idea is to create a walking robot you steer with your body — just like a real horse. Lean left? It turns. Lean back? It stops. Horse girl dreams, tech edition.
How Does It Work?Here’s the cool part: It runs on hydrogen. Most hydrogen-powered vehicles use fuel cells to create electricity. But Kawasaki’s robot horse uses a small 150cc hydrogen-burning engine to generate electricity for its motors. It’s a unique approach, and possibly a step toward more sustainable robotic transport.
That said, don’t expect to see robot horses lining city streets just yet. Hydrogen refueling is still limited, and this model is more concept than finished product. The version displayed at the expo didn’t walk — it mostly just stood there and looked futuristic. But even in this early stage, it’s a bold peek into the future of personal mobility.
Why Does This Matter?Corleo is a glimpse into how technology might blend with human-centered design — especially for transportation, accessibility, or even entertainment. Imagine robotic pack animals on hiking trails, theme park rides without tracks, or assistive walkers that feel more natural.
It’s also part of a growing movement toward alternative energy in robotics, something Japan and Kawasaki in particular are investing in heavily.
TL;DR: What’s the Big Deal?

• Kawasaki built a hydrogen-powered robot animal you can ride.
  
• It’s called Corleo, and it kind of looks like a mix between a horse and a lion.
  
• You control it with your body (no joystick).
  
• It’s still in prototype form, but it could be the start of a new kind of mobility.
  
• Powered by hydrogen combustion, not traditional batteries.
  
• Cool? Absolutely. Practical? Not quite yet.