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If you believed robotic canines were the ultimate electronic beasts, get ready to have your mind changed.
Kawasaki Heavy Industries, renowned primarily for its premium motorcycles, has introduced a hydrogen-fueled, rider-operated robotic horse.
The unusual gadget made its debut at the Osaka Kansai Expo on April 4th, part of Kawasaki's 'Impulse to Move' initiative.
Nicknamed the CORLEO, this two-seated quadruped can sprint across nearly every type of landscape.
The firm refers to it as a 'game-changing all-terrain individual transportation device,' replacing conventional wheels with four mechanical limbs.
To control direction, simply shift your weight and the vehicle will respond. AI Vision will identify the optimal path to follow.
And, to make sure you don't fly off as you leap about like a robot cowboy, CORLEO constantly monitors its rider's movements to achieve 'a reassuring sense of unity'.
Nonetheless, aspiring riders may need to be patient since Kawasaki states that this was developed as a concept for the year 2050.
Similar to numerous sophisticated robots, the CORLEO evidently draws its design cues from living creatures in nature.
At each end of its four legs, you'll find a 'divided left-right structure,' similar to the split hooves of a mountain goat.
Kawasaki states: "These hooves have the ability to adjust to different landscapes such as grassy plains, rugged regions, and debris-strewn zones."
Similarly, each of the rear legs bends forward akin to those of a wolf or horse rather than. the rearward-oriented limbs of the Boston Dynamics robotic canine, Spot.
The company adds that each of these rear legs can 'swing up and down independently from the front leg unit' to better absorb the impact of running.
Moreover, those extended hind limbs will assist the rider in maintaining a more balanced position when CORLEO navigates inclines or declines.
Similar to a real horse, this four-legged vehicle includes 'stirrups' to assist the rider in maintaining proper posture.
In conjunction with sensors installed in the handlebars, Kawasaki claims that the rider can manage CORLEO simply by adjusting their body position.
Nevertheless, CORLEO includes several characteristics that cannot be found in any natural setting.
The most prominent feature is the 150cc hydrogen generator that propels the vehicle.
The system draws hydrogen from containers at the back to generate power for the propulsion units in each leg.
Unlike an actual horse, CORLEO will produce only clean water as waste when traveling on the roads, thanks to the hydrogen combustion process.
Furthermore, the vehicle includes an instrument panel that shows 'hydrogen levels, path to the peak, center of mass location, along with additional data'.
Kawasaki states: "During nighttime, it enhances safe navigation by illuminating markers on the roadway to outline the route forward."
In a stunning promotional clip, the CORLEO is shown jumping across rough landscapes with a rider aboard.
Kawasaki seems to position this as an authentic all-around off-road model, demonstrating its capability across various terrains ranging from mountainous regions to open grasslands.
On social media, enthusiasts of technology quickly jumped at the chance to express their enthusiasm for this cutting-edge idea.
A enthusiastic commentator remarked: "That's right from a sci-fi film."
Someone else added: "Please create it! I'm eager to experience a future with this! It seems like such an enjoyable adventure!"
'This is how genuine innovation appears. Well done,' added someone else.
In the meantime, other contributors offered their perspectives on how CORLEO could potentially transform their lives.
A commentator mentioned: "As an individual with disabilities who uses a wheelchair, accessing natural settings has proven challenging for me. This technology has been something I've considered for many years."
'This could profoundly transform my life by allowing me to once more explore the mountains or forests!'
Nevertheless, the significant agility demonstrated in the video remains far from what we see today.
This caused some tech aficionados to seethe at the possibility that this incredible car might never actually come into existence.
A commentator remarked: "Once you provide a non-CG video showing this, I’ll go ahead with the pre-order."
Another commented, "It’s insane how many individuals can’t discern that this isn’t genuine."
The firm has developed a prototype that was showcased at the Osaka Kansai Expo.
Nevertheless, that version can barely do anything beyond standing and posing and has not been observed moving around yet.
CORLEO is mainly a conceptual vehicle, and it remains uncertain whether Kawasaki actually plans to manufacture a market-ready version.
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