I’m back from Osaka with plenty to share about the futuristic tech I saw there. Yep, from a robotic personal vehicle to iPS-generated organs, this article will give you a taste of what life will be like in 2025.
I’m a planner. But when I entered the exhibition grounds at Expo 2025 in Osaka last week, there were a couple of things I hadn’t counted on. First was the heat. I’m used to hot weather, but 100-degree temperatures plus humidity made for a completely new clime; I was sweaty all day. Another surprise? The futuristic tech at Expo 2025. I knew there would be concept products and sustainable innovations, but I didn’t expect to feel so inspired by the end of my visit.
Related: 3 Things I didn’t expect to see at Expo 2025 in Osaka
And I was inspired. Expo 2025, with its 383-acre exhibition site, and pavilions representing over 150 countries and organizations, has plenty to gawk at. But what actually stopped me in my tracks were the exhibits’ interpretations of life in the future. There was Kawasaki’s CORLEO, a personal vehicle that people can ride like a horse. Then, there was an ocean-based hydrogen power balloon that generated power from crashing waves. It felt like looking through a window at the world in 2050, and it gave me hope, despite the heat.
The World Expo has always been a showcase of solutions to the world’s most pressing problems. In 2025, that’s an emphasis on sustainable living, mobility, and health. As an editor, I was happy these ideas took center stage, and it’s why I’m sharing some of my favorite futuristic innovations from Expo 2025.
1. Kawasaki CORLEO
By 2025, our personal mobility needs will have changed drastically, according to the Kawasaki Group, experts in motorcycle and robotic technology. Hence, it created the 2025 concept off-road personal mobility vehicle, CORLEO. This lion-like, four-legged vehicle is on display at Expo 2025. It handles rough terrain, remains stable, and offers substantial control. Interestingly, riders control the vehicle via weight shifts, like horseback riding. So, there are no complex commands to remember, keeping the ride intuitive.
CORLEO also runs on hydrogen, a key solution to a decarbonized society. Kawaski envisions the vehicle as a means of navigating difficult terrain such as mountains an even bodies of water. Seeing CORLEO sprint through valleys and scale mountains is otherworldly.
2. Kubota Type V and Type S Autonomous Tractors
Japanese tractor company Kubota wowed Expo 2025 visitors with its conceptual Type V and Type S autonomous tractors. That’s right, I said autonomous. Shaped like giant robot lawnmowers, these concept tractors are actually robotic platforms that can complete all tasks in the agricultural progress
How? They work with various implements and attachments to perform specific tasks, without needed. In 2050, farmers might only need 1 tractor to fulfill all of their needs. With the increasing shortage of farm labor and the rise of eco-conscious farming, tractors like Type V and Type S will be useful. the need for human intervention. Type V’s body is a bit like a transformer. It can expand and contract from side to side, up and down, and forward and backward, adapting to tasks as need.
3. Honda UNI-ONE
Another cool mobility device on display at Expo 2025 is the Honda UNI-ONE. This seated personal mobility vehicle developed by Honda’s robotics research team gives people more mobility options. Like the CORLEO, the user steers it by shifting their weight while sitting. This keeps the hands free to move naturally, like the person is walking. The design is also stable, so it’s great for adults and kids.
My favorite feature is the adjustable height! Yes, this mobility device lowers and rises, like a dentist’s chair. Ok, I realize that’s not comparison for many. Let’s put it this way The UNI-ONE starts in its lowest position, so the the rider can get on easily. Then, it lifts until the rider is at eye level with people passing buy. This makes communicating with others easier and more natural. Let’s give it up for accessibility tech that improves people’s lives and gives them more options!
4. Luup Unimo
As populations age and longevity improves, seniors will need new ways to move around. That’s where the Unimo three-wheeled, compact univeral vehicle comes in. Unlike today’s electric scooters and bikes, the Luup Unimo stays stable while moving and at rest, making it suitable for all ages and sexes.
I was fascinated to learn that it has on-board stability control and can adapt to driving conditions. As someone who’s a little frightened to use electric personal vehicles on busy city streets, I’d welcome more autonomous help while riding, and I wager, so would retirees. Users can also control it via app or server and it supports street use.
5. MIXI Romi Emotional Support Robot
I’ve seen a lot of emotional support robots over the years, but none as cute as MIXI’S Romi. It’s raindrop-shaped toy-like body and its digital expressions (over 150 of ’em) are endearing. Unlike most conversation robots, Romi uses the latest AI to keep conversations going, letting you have a natural back and forth. It even expresses surprise when you pick it up and has a warm, caring style; even I’d like to have one on my desk!
It’s said that free-chatting is one of the most difficult skills for AI to achieve. Romi has made incredible progress in the field thanks to it’s built-in communication AI. It creates conversations depending on the user’s feelings. The on-board AI can also store and retrieve memories that can help Romi respond to current situation. For example, Romi could remember that I like to talk about gardening and engage me in a conversation about roses, to keep me feeling chipper. It’s a great tool that has a ton of potential for anyone living on their own.
6. Yellow Duck Power Wave DAC
Image a future where we collect and store hydrogen from the ocean. It sounds so 2025, but that’s exactly what the team at Yellow Duck are aiming for. How does Yellow Duck’s technology work? An offshore system that produces electricity from wave motion to power a DAC system. This system can remove CO2 from the atmosphere and an electrolysis process produces hydrogen from seawater. That’s exciting stuff.
In a world facing both climate change and biodiversity loss, Yellow Duck’s technology has the potential to reduce carbon emissions, support marine ecosystems, and provide clean energy to remote and coastal areas. I love the prototype design: it uses an inflatable yellow duck to keep the device afloat and visible to ships! In the future, perhaps the ocean can generate power for us. Wouldn’t that be something?
