Development of a Rideable Robot Inspired by Horses

Kawasaki has introduced a digitally rendered concept for the Corleo, a “robotic horse.” The promotional video features the automated equine galloping across valleys, crossing rivers, climbing mountains, and leaping over crevices.

The Corleo aims to deliver a premium robotic solution offering a mobility experience like no other. Unlike Kawasaki’s current motorbikes, which are limited to roads and trails, a machine with legs can access areas unreachable by traditional vehicles.

However, how feasible is it for the Corleo to achieve such agility and balance while safely carrying a human through nature? Let’s examine what would be necessary to realize this vision.

A robot is composed of two main parts: a body and an information processing unit. The body features a specific morphology that determines its functions, including actuators (devices that convert energy into motion) and sensors that enable interaction with and understanding of its environment.

The information processing unit essentially functions like a computer, running algorithms to analyze data from sensors, build representations of the surroundings, and decide on actions based on established goals.

Basic robots, such as robotic vacuum cleaners, meet these criteria. Their bodies are designed to navigate under furniture without getting stuck, and their flat tops can be a resting place for your pets.

The actuators include motors that drive the wheels and the vacuum mechanism. They are equipped with impact sensors to detect collisions, and some even have cameras for environmental awareness. Users can set cleaning schedules, and the vacuum’s onboard computer determines the optimal path for execution.

The Corleo is a quadruped robot, recognized for being one of the most stable designs for legged robots. Its four legs appear sturdy, allowing flexion both forward and backward for running and jumping.

However, limitations in movement, especially in abduction and adduction, are evident. When someone is pushed on their right side, they instinctively open their left leg for balance—this represents abduction.

Adduction is the opposite action—moving towards the body’s midline. This may just be a characteristic of the concept design, but for a smooth and safe ride, the Corleo will need this freedom of movement.

Next, consider the actuators. Legged robots, unlike wheeled vehicles, must continuously maintain balance and support their weight, creating a suspension system to absorb shocks for the rider.

They need enough strength to propel the robot forward. Furthermore, since the Corleo intends to carry a person, it requires powerful and dynamic actuators for galloping and jumping, exceeding the capabilities of current models like the Barry robot or Unitree wheeled robots.

In contrast to a manually driven car or motorcycle—where the driver controls the movements based simply on observations—a robotic horse demands advanced control systems to manage limb movements, eliminating the need for human steering efforts.

Research in legged robotics has focused on locomotion control since the 1940s. There are instances demonstrating that legged machines can navigate slopes without the aid of motors or sensors, referred to as “passive” locomotion.

If only “proprioceptive” sensors—those that convey information about orientation (similar to how your phone detects rotation)—are used for balance, it’s classified as “blind” locomotion, lacking input from the external environment. Conversely, the involvement of “exteroceptive” sensors, which gather data from the environment, is termed “perceptive” locomotion. This is the functionality demonstrated by the Corleo.

From the available images, I couldn’t spot any cameras or LiDARs—laser range finders. While they may be hidden, it would be reassuring to confirm that the Corleo can “see” its surroundings while in motion.

Although it will be manually operated (therefore not requiring autonomous navigation), its locomotion system will depend on sensor data to determine how to traverse rocky surfaces and identify slippery terrain. These sensors must also function reliably under various environmental conditions. This remains a major challenge for autonomous vehicles.

Challenges Ahead

The Corleo is still a concept—it has yet to become a reality. As a product, it promises to surpass the capabilities of a quad bike, paving the way for new modes of transport in remote areas, tourism opportunities, innovative hobbies (for those who can afford them), and even sports.

What excites me most are the technological advancements that realizing such a platform could bring. Legged robots are not limited to mimicking quadrupeds or humans.

Self-balancing exoskeletons, like Wandercraft’s Personal Exoskeleton or Human in Motion Robotics’ XoMotion, are transforming lives for individuals with mobility challenges. The technological progress implied by the Corleo could greatly enhance the development of assistive devices, enabling users with disabilities to gain greater independence.

Current advancements in legged robotics suggest that many of Kawasaki’s envisioned features are achievable. However, there are critical challenges: the Corleo must demonstrate the endurance to navigate wild terrains, implement efficient locomotion algorithms, and adhere to vehicle safety standards.

These obstacles are significant for a robot of manageable size. If you were to ask me today, I would express some doubt about whether all these objectives can be attained simultaneously. I hope to be proven wrong.

Matías Mattamala, Postdoctoral Researcher, Oxford Robotics Institute, University of Oxford

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

Follow Moneyweb’s in-depth finance and business news on WhatsApp here.