April 2025 Mechanical Engineering Blog
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April 8, 2025
Kawasaki Debuts Hydrogen-Powered Robot Horse
Kawasaki Debuts Hydrogen-Powered Robot Horse
Kawasaki Heavy Industries has unveiled one of its most imaginative creations yet: CORLEO, a rideable, hydrogen-powered robotic horse, showcased during a preview of the upcoming Osaka-Kansai Expo. Unlike anything in Kawasaki’s previous lineup, CORLEO blurs the line between futuristic mobility and animal-inspired robotics.
Designed to stride on four sleek, rubber-treaded legs, CORLEO is more akin to a panther-deer hybrid than a traditional motorcycle. Powered by a 150cc hydrogen-fueled engine and a fuel cell, the machine’s only emission is water—highlighting Japan’s focus on carbon-neutral transportation solutions. Kawasaki even teased the possibility of future models dispensing chilled water on the go.
CORLEO doesn’t rely on joysticks or throttles. Instead, it reads the rider’s body movements—much like horseback riding—and uses an AI-driven control system to analyze terrain, selecting each footfall with precision. At night, a trail of projected arrows acts like GPS guidance for hooves.
Still in concept form, the version revealed could only stand and pose. Kawasaki confirmed the dynamic movements shown in a dramatic CGI video are purely speculative—for now. A commercial launch, if it happens at all, is expected before 2050.
Inspired by video game creatures from titles like Horizon Zero Dawn, CORLEO isn’t Kawasaki’s only robotics venture. The company has developed factory and educational robots for decades. But CORLEO represents a bold new frontier—a clean-energy machine built for exploration, capable of traversing rugged landscapes, and possibly redefining future mobility.
Whether gimmick or glimpse of tomorrow, CORLEO signals Kawasaki’s evolving ambition in robotics. Learn more about this topic here.
Designed to stride on four sleek, rubber-treaded legs, CORLEO is more akin to a panther-deer hybrid than a traditional motorcycle. Powered by a 150cc hydrogen-fueled engine and a fuel cell, the machine’s only emission is water—highlighting Japan’s focus on carbon-neutral transportation solutions. Kawasaki even teased the possibility of future models dispensing chilled water on the go.
CORLEO doesn’t rely on joysticks or throttles. Instead, it reads the rider’s body movements—much like horseback riding—and uses an AI-driven control system to analyze terrain, selecting each footfall with precision. At night, a trail of projected arrows acts like GPS guidance for hooves.
Still in concept form, the version revealed could only stand and pose. Kawasaki confirmed the dynamic movements shown in a dramatic CGI video are purely speculative—for now. A commercial launch, if it happens at all, is expected before 2050.
Inspired by video game creatures from titles like Horizon Zero Dawn, CORLEO isn’t Kawasaki’s only robotics venture. The company has developed factory and educational robots for decades. But CORLEO represents a bold new frontier—a clean-energy machine built for exploration, capable of traversing rugged landscapes, and possibly redefining future mobility.
Whether gimmick or glimpse of tomorrow, CORLEO signals Kawasaki’s evolving ambition in robotics. Learn more about this topic here.
April 25, 2025
Honda Considers U.S. Production Shift Amid Rising Tariff Pressures
Honda Considers U.S. Production Shift Amid Rising Tariff Pressures
Honda is reportedly evaluating a strategic shift of some automotive production from Canada and Mexico to the United States, in response to escalating tariffs imposed by the Trump administration. The move, according to Japanese newspaper Nikkei, aims to ensure that 90% of Honda vehicles sold in the U.S. are manufactured domestically.
This potential shift focuses on relocating the production of key models like the CR-V and Civic. Over the next few years, Honda plans to increase its U.S. production capacity by 30%, which would involve hiring more workers and adding shifts to its American facilities. The automaker’s move aligns with U.S. efforts to strengthen domestic manufacturing and reduce dependency on foreign production.
President Trump’s administration recently imposed a 25% tariff on imported passenger vehicles, including sedans, SUVs, and trucks, as well as on essential auto parts like engines and transmissions. A separate 25% tariff on non-U.S. auto parts is expected to follow in May, with exemptions initially applied to parts compliant with the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). Further expansions are anticipated by June.
While the administration argues that these tariffs will revitalize the U.S. automotive sector, industry analysts warn they could drive up vehicle costs, since no car is built entirely with domestic parts.
Honda isn’t alone in its recalibration. Hyundai recently announced a $20 billion U.S. investment, including $5.8 million for a new steel plant employing over 1,400 workers. Nissan has also signaled potential production shifts due to the evolving tariff landscape. Learn more here.
This potential shift focuses on relocating the production of key models like the CR-V and Civic. Over the next few years, Honda plans to increase its U.S. production capacity by 30%, which would involve hiring more workers and adding shifts to its American facilities. The automaker’s move aligns with U.S. efforts to strengthen domestic manufacturing and reduce dependency on foreign production.
President Trump’s administration recently imposed a 25% tariff on imported passenger vehicles, including sedans, SUVs, and trucks, as well as on essential auto parts like engines and transmissions. A separate 25% tariff on non-U.S. auto parts is expected to follow in May, with exemptions initially applied to parts compliant with the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). Further expansions are anticipated by June.
While the administration argues that these tariffs will revitalize the U.S. automotive sector, industry analysts warn they could drive up vehicle costs, since no car is built entirely with domestic parts.
Honda isn’t alone in its recalibration. Hyundai recently announced a $20 billion U.S. investment, including $5.8 million for a new steel plant employing over 1,400 workers. Nissan has also signaled potential production shifts due to the evolving tariff landscape. Learn more here.
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