Commercialization? Development Begins to Realize Kawasaki's "Corleo! New Off-Road Personal Mobility" Aimed for Debut in 2030

The "CORLEO" concept of future mobility was unveiled by Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd. at the "Osaka-Kansai Expo," which was held until October of this year. Completely different from conventional motorcycles and automobiles, CORLEO is a four-footed vehicle that can go off-road, powered by a 150cc 2-stroke engine that generates electricity in a kind of series hybrid system. It grips the ground with rubber hooves and can jump at the will of the rider. An image movie of the vehicle being used to navigate snowfields, cliffs, and other difficult terrain with ease was also shown. The Corleo was one of those dreamy concept models that one would love to have. But now, to our surprise, development has begun with the aim of commercializing it!

Five years from now, the Corleo will be running around in the desert! Aiming to launch at the Saudi Riyadh Expo in 2030

Quadrupedal mobility has the advantage of being able to move around without worrying about bumps and rough roads, and concept models have been announced by various companies, including the development of actuators and motive power. Among these, the Corleo, presented by Kawasaki Heavy Industries, is a "new type of off-road personal mobility" that utilizes technology employed in motorcycles. At the venue of the Osaka-Kansai Expo, where it made its first appearance, the vehicle showed off some moves on stage, such as bending its knees, but the timing of its debut is "undecided. The day when the vehicle would be as flexible as the one shown in the movie seemed far off. In December, however, Kawasaki Heavy Industries announced the news that it had begun development of the "Corleo. A dedicated development organization (SAFE ADVENTURE Business Development Team) has been set up within the company, and the aim is to use the vehicle as an on-site mobility vehicle for the Saudi Arabian Expo to be held in Riyadh in 2030. The goal is to commercialize it by 2035. The concept is "SAFE ADVENTURE," which will allow anyone to safely enjoy traveling in mountainous areas, and will include navigation that detects weather, temperature, road surface conditions, and the presence of wildlife, and provides safe routes via smartphones and other devices.

In addition, the development of a riding simulator that will allow visitors to experience quadruped mobility ahead of 2035 is also underway. The simulator is targeted for completion by the end of 2027, and the entire system, including 3D models and motion data, is being considered for deployment in the gaming and e-sports industries. As early as two years from now, people may be able to enjoy riding a Corleo in the virtual world! Will Corleo be the first in the world to lead the way as a new category of mobility? We look forward to the day when it makes its debut.

Powered by a 150cc 2-stroke hydrogen engine, the motor drives the limbs! The lower body is equipped with a swing arm and incorporates motorcycle technology.

The mechanism of the Corleo is also of great interest to riders. The lower body is suspended by a swing arm to achieve natural maneuverability and stability based on Kawasaki Motors' technology, and the structure resembles that of a motorcycle. The balance control is said to utilize an IMU, which has the ability to switch the motion mode for each environment and phase. The power unit is an actuator in the limbs, but the power is generated by a 150cc two-stroke hydrogen engine mounted near the chest, which holds six small hydrogen canisters for fuel. These canisters can be replaced one after another like dry cell batteries, eliminating the need for recharging time typical of EVs. More than 10 patents and design applications have already been filed for the hydrogen engine power unit, hydrogen canisters, swing arms, high-grip hooves, stirrups, and other components, and preparations for market launch are steadily underway.

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Kawasaki's future off-road personal mobility "CORLEO".

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