By: Isuru Parakrama
April 10, World (LNW): In a striking fusion of futuristic design and animal-like motion, Japanese tech giant Kawasaki has unveiled its latest innovation: a hydrogen-powered quadruped robot named Bex, now rebranded as HORSE – an acronym for Humanoid & Object Robotic Synergy with Environment.
This advanced robotic steed has left viewers stunned with a viral video showcasing its almost surreal ability to traverse complex terrain with the grace and coordination of a real horse.
Kawasaki, known globally for its motorcycles and heavy industry expertise, has been quietly developing robotic systems that mimic organic life, pushing the boundaries of what machines can achieve in human environments.
The HORSE robot, with its sturdy legs, sleek chassis, and impressively coordinated gait, represents a significant leap in bio-inspired engineering. It was first introduced in prototype form in 2022, but the latest footage shows a dramatic improvement in its mobility, suggesting Kawasaki is steadily refining the robot for real-world use.
What sets HORSE apart is its use of hydrogen fuel cells, placing it at the forefront of sustainable robotics. Whilst most walking robots rely on electricity or cumbersome battery systems, Kawasaki’s hydrogen-based solution not only extends the machine’s operational life but also aligns with broader global efforts to transition away from fossil fuels.
This clean energy approach ensures that HORSE is not just a marvel of mechanics but also a statement about the future of eco-conscious technology.
The video, which has sparked a flurry of social media reactions and media coverage, depicts the robot navigating rocky terrain and forest paths with surprising fluidity.
It carefully adjusts its footing, balances over uneven ground, and changes direction seamlessly—capabilities that are notoriously difficult for quadruped robots to master.
HORSE’s movements are eerily natural, to the point that viewers have described it as “unsettlingly realistic.” It is a moment that evokes both fascination and a tinge of unease, a reminder of the increasingly narrow gap between biology and machinery.
Unlike Boston Dynamics’ famous robot dog Spot, which is built for industrial inspection and security roles, Kawasaki’s HORSE is envisioned as a load-bearing companion, potentially capable of transporting goods or people over difficult terrain.
Earlier versions were shown carrying human riders in demonstration videos, suggesting military or agricultural applications may be on the horizon. With rugged adaptability and a modular platform, HORSE could assist in disaster relief, wilderness exploration, or even battlefield logistics—scenarios where wheeled vehicles struggle.
Whilst the robot has sparked awe, it also raises pertinent ethical and societal questions. As humanoid and animal-like machines become more prevalent, public concern is growing about the role of robotics in replacing traditional human labour, the potential for military exploitation, and the psychological effects of living alongside machines that mimic life. HORSE, with its imposing frame and almost sentient stride, embodies these dilemmas in mechanical form.
Nevertheless, the innovation reflects a broader trend in robotics: a shift from static, factory-floor machines to adaptive, intelligent entities capable of navigating and interacting with dynamic environments.
Kawasaki’s project is part of its larger Kaleido initiative, which includes humanoid robots designed for human coexistence. Together, these projects hint at a future where humans and machines share not just workplaces but ecosystems—walking, working, and perhaps even coexisting in complex, symbiotic ways.
For now, HORSE remains a research platform, but its viral debut has cemented its place as a symbol of what is coming next. With hydrogen power coursing through its frame and four legs deftly stepping into tomorrow, this robotic stallion may soon find itself galloping out of the lab and into the world.
References:
https://nypost.com/2025/04/08/tech/watch-robotic-horse-navigates-complex-terrain-in-wild-video/
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-14583805/Kawasaki-hydrogen-powered-robot-HORSE.html
