Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd. is a Japanese multinational corporation with a history of over a century in heavy industry, manufacturing a wide range of products from motorcycles and engines to ships and aerospace equipment. A pioneer in industrial robotics, Kawasaki has been a leader in factory automation for over 50 years. This extensive experience in robotics laid the groundwork for their expansion into human-centric robotics, culminating in the development of the Kaleido series of humanoid robots.

The development of the Kaleido humanoid robot began around 2015, with the first generation unveiled at the International Robot Exhibition (iREX) in 2017. The initial focus was on achieving stable bipedal walking, a significant challenge for a company primarily experienced in industrial robots. Early prototypes faced issues with leg rigidity and bulky controllers. A major milestone was reached in 2019 with the introduction of an untethered Kaleido, featuring an onboard battery and integrated electronics.

Over the years, Kawasaki has continuously iterated on the Kaleido platform, with the 7th generation, RHP7, launched at iREX 2022. The latest iteration, the Kaleido 9 (or RHP Kaleido 9), was showcased at iREX 2025, demonstrating significant advancements in capabilities and design. Alongside the main Kaleido line, Kawasaki also introduced the “Friends” series in 2021, a slimmer, more approachable humanoid robot designed for interaction and potential use in daily life and caregiving.

The Kaleido series utilizes a sophisticated AI and software stack to achieve its advanced capabilities. This includes real-time footstep adjustment for stable walking, object recognition, and two-handed grasping. The “Friends” series, in collaboration with Osaka University’s Nagai Laboratory, features conversational and gesture-based interaction capabilities, enabling the robot to answer questions and synchronize gestures with speech. The Kaleido 9 is equipped with LiDAR sensors and enhanced stereo cameras to build 3D maps of its surroundings and enable autonomous navigation.

While the Kaleido series is still primarily in the research and development phase, it has been demonstrated in various scenarios, including disaster relief and search-and-rescue missions. The Kaleido 9 has been shown to handle heavy loads and navigate difficult terrain, making it a promising platform for hazardous environments. In November 2024, it was announced that e-skin, a type of electronic skin, was deployed on the RHP Kaleido, enhancing its sensory capabilities.

Pricing for the Kaleido series is not publicly available, as the robots are not yet commercially produced. The high cost of development and advanced components suggests a significant price point if and when they become available for purchase.

Kawasaki Heavy Industries continues to push the boundaries of humanoid robotics with the Kaleido series. The future roadmap likely includes further enhancements to the robot’s autonomy, mobility, and interaction capabilities. The company aims to create a robot that can work alongside humans in a variety of environments, from disaster sites to factories and even homes.

The development of the “Friends” series suggests a long-term vision of creating robots that can act as companions and assistants in daily life. With the rapid advancements in AI and robotics, the Kaleido series is poised to play a significant role in the future of human-robot collaboration.