【Unexpected Commercialization】303cc Hydrogen 2-Stroke Supercharged Engine! Kawasaki Details Practical Application Plan for "CORLEO" Quadrupedal Mobility for the 2030s

On July 28th, Kawasaki Heavy Industries held a press briefing titled "SAFE ADVENTURE MEDIA SESSION." This event focused on the quadrupedal mobility "CORLEO," exhibited by Kawasaki at last year's Osaka-Kansai Expo, and detailed Kawasaki's business development plan for this near-future mobility. Kawasaki is seriously committed to making CORLEO a reality.

●Text and Photos: Keisuke Asakura

Demo Run Scheduled for 2030, Future "CORLEO LAND" for Enjoyment?!

The quadrupedal mobility "CORLEO," exhibited by Kawasaki Heavy Industries at last year's Osaka-Kansai Expo, generated significant buzz. It garnered over 1.2 billion searches on social media, attracting global attention.

Although CORLEO does not use tires for propulsion, it shares a significant commonality with motorcycles in that a person straddles and operates it. In fact, many technologies cultivated by Kawasaki in motorcycle development have been incorporated into its concept and development methods.

A press conference was held to announce the "SAFE ADVENTURE business" plan centered around CORLEO. As we reported previously, CORLEO is not a fantastical future vehicle but is being developed with practical application in the near future in mind. This event specifically detailed the business development plan.

A rideable mock-up model of CORLEO was unveiled at the press conference. The person straddling it is Yusuke Amatsuka, General Manager of the SAFE ADVENTURE Business Division at Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd., who is in charge of development.

Specifically, the goal is to conduct a live demonstration ride at the Riyadh Expo scheduled to be held in Saudi Arabia in 2030. Following this, the production model "CORLEO X" will be launched in 2035, with further plans for a theme park-like facility where people can enjoy riding the CORLEO X.

Saudi Arabia is currently a strong candidate for the park's construction site, although this may be subject to change depending on socio-political conditions. The idea of freely traversing the rugged mountainous terrain and deserts unique to the Middle East on a CORLEO X is an exciting prospect.

This is an artist's impression of the theme park where CORLEO can be enjoyed, announced at this event. This is not just a dream; the project is moving forward towards realization.

Will it be possible to enjoy it like this?!

Hydrogen 2-Stroke for Power Generation Evolved to 303cc & Supercharger Spec!

When the CORLEO concept model was first announced, its power unit attracted the attention of motorcycle enthusiasts. While CORLEO itself can be defined as a type of EV driven by actuators in various parts, it is envisioned as a series hybrid system where an engine generates electricity for propulsion.

The engine serving as the generator was announced to be a 150cc hydrogen 2-stroke with a turbocharger, which sparked considerable discussion. This was due to the fact that hydrogen is a fuel that easily achieves zero emissions, and the challenges of 2-stroke engines in purifying exhaust gases could be overcome with forced induction, potentially leading to the revival of the 2-stroke engine.

At this press conference, we were also able to hear about the development status of this highly anticipated engine. To increase power, the displacement has been expanded to 303cc, and instead of the initially planned turbocharger, a supercharger is now considered the leading option. Development is progressing smoothly, and it is said to be in the final stages of completion.

A cutaway view of CORLEO released last year. A 150cc hydrogen 2-stroke engine with a turbocharger is mounted above the front legs. The box behind the engine is likely a battery or inverter. The blue cylindrical part at the rear of the vehicle is probably the hydrogen tank for fuel.

A close-up of the engine section. In addition to the turbocharger, an intercooler can be seen just behind the grille. The intake path appears to connect directly to the combustion chamber, bypassing the crankcase.

Unfortunately, however, it is unlikely that this engine will be directly installed in a motorcycle. The reason given is that it is designed for high fuel efficiency and stable power generation, and would not provide the enjoyable power feeling expected in a motorcycle.

However, the possibility of installing a future supercharged hydrogen 2-stroke engine in a motorcycle has not been ruled out. With the technology cultivated through CORLEO, it may be possible to experience the exhilarating ride of a 2-stroke engine again, with clean exhaust gases that do not produce white smoke or spill oil. This is something to look forward to.

奇しくもカワサキは、新開発の2ストロークエンジンを搭載したモトクロス／エンデューロマシンのKX327/Xを発表, although it is for competition use only and not street legal. There is no doubt that there are movements within Kawasaki towards the revival of 2-strokes?!

Revolutionizing Motorcycle Development Too!? New Generation Riding Simulator Under Parallel Development

CORLEO's development also marks an epoch in terms of technology with the development of a new dimension of riding simulator.

An artist's impression of the riding simulator. How the rider's input is reflected in the machine's behavior, and how the road conditions affect the rider – these data can be thoroughly refined virtually.

CORLEO is not just a four-legged robot; it is being developed as a mobility device that humans operate. In reality, making a four-legged robot walk and carry a person is not difficult, and Kawasaki has examples of such demonstrations.

However, when it comes to human operation, it becomes a completely different matter. While the current CORLEO is conceived as an off-road vehicle, if a multi-legged robot were to autonomously navigate rough terrain and carry a person, the vehicle would shake so violently that the rider would be thrown off. Realizing a rideable multi-legged mobility device for operating in rough terrain is extremely challenging due to various factors.

Furthermore, the aspect of "human operation" is crucial. To create a safe and enjoyable mobility device for riders, the presence of test riders is indispensable. However, CORLEO is a mobility concept that has never existed anywhere in the world before. Therefore, a riding simulator is being developed concurrently with the actual vehicle to refine the running performance and ride feel virtually, thereby shortening the development period.

The intended running environment is off-road, meaning the road surface grip will be poor, and the ground will not always be flat. There will be many unstable surfaces with loose rocks. The simulator aims to reproduce all such off-road conditions. The first generation of development is already complete, and they are now working on the second generation.

A conceptual diagram of the simulator system. Rider input is primarily through a fixed handlebar and seat, as well as "abumi" (stirrups) for the feet. The control system has no moving parts; acceleration, deceleration, and steering are controlled by weight distribution. Multiple sensors and cameras detect the rider's movements. It utilizes Physical AI, and development involves collaboration with leading global companies such as NVIDIA.

It's already difficult to create a quadrupedal mobility device that carries people, but making it an off-road mobility device that can travel on uncharted paths... highlights the high development hurdles.

Like motorcycles, CORLEO is a mobility device designed for riders to enjoy operating. It is being developed to allow the ride to change based on the rider's skill level. While riding simulators are already used in motorcycle development, the new generation system being developed for CORLEO is on a different level than conventional ones. It is highly likely that this system will also be adapted for motorcycle development.

In other words, CORLEO is poised to significantly influence the future direction of Kawasaki's motorcycle development and models in various aspects. While CORLEO itself is a fascinating mobility device, it is a project that Kawasaki motorcycle fans should definitely keep an eye on for future developments.

I was able to straddle CORLEO myself. Although it was stationary, the riding feel was just like a motorcycle. It's understandable that the shape was determined with people riding it in mind during the mock-up production. The riding position is upright and natural, similar to an off-road or naked motorcycle.

There are currently only two CORLEO mock-up models in existence. The movable model exhibited at the Osaka-Kansai Expo is on display at Kawasaki World in Kobe. The model that people can straddle is scheduled to be exhibited overseas in the future.

The two individuals who presented at the briefing. On the left is Yusuke Amatsuka, General Manager of the SAFE ADVENTURE Business Division, Project Headquarters, Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd. He is a passionate motorcycle fan who joined Kawasaki. On the right is Takahiro Ueno, Special Principal of the same division. He has been involved in the development of many industrial robots, including Japan's first domestically produced surgical robot, "hinotori."

Keishi Fukumoto, who designed CORLEO. He has been involved in motorcycle design at Kawasaki for many years and is a legendary designer who has created numerous masterpieces. His representative works include the Ninja ZX-R series.

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