Koraidon as a drivable demonstration vehicle
Koraidon is a battle and dragon Pokémon that plays a special role in the game as a riding and transportation creature. In the original, it can stand on two legs, walk on all fours and even glide. Honda has taken exactly these abilities as a model and transformed Koraidon into a real, functional vehicle. With a height of 2.5 meters and a weight of 303 kilograms (about 668 pounds), the Honda Koraidon roughly corresponds to the dimensions of its virtual role model.
Self-balancing technology from motorcycle development
In terms of technology, Honda is relying on its in-house self-balancing technology for the project, which was first presented at the CES in Las Vegas in 2017. At that time, the system was demonstrated on a converted NC750X, which was able to balance itself, move forwards and backwards and even follow a person. This technology, known as “Honda Riding Assist”, is now also being used in the Koraidon project.
According to Honda, thanks to this technology, Koraidon can walk on four legs as well as stand independently on two wheels. This is a function that does not appear in the games, but is used here specifically to demonstrate Honda’s progress in the area of autonomous balance control.
Interactive animations and moving details
Another highlight of the project is Koraidon’s moving body parts. Hands, legs, neck and face are supposed to change dynamically – depending on the speed. In a special “sprinting build” mode, the vehicle is supposed to appear more alive as a result. The idea behind this is to transfer the visual dynamics of a Pokémon as realistically as possible into real life.
Exhibition at the Honda Welcome Plaza Aoyama
Anyone who would like to see Koraidon live will have the opportunity to do so from March 7 to 9, 2025 at the Honda Welcome Plaza Aoyama in Tokyo. However, due to limited space, the vehicle will only be on display there as a stationary model. There will not be a driving demonstration on site. However, the fact that Honda goes into detail about the built-in technologies and the planned functionality in the official announcement suggests that Koraidon will be shown in action on other occasions in the future – possibly in the form of videos or at other events.
Between technology carrier and vision of the future
Even if the Koraidon project looks like a marketing campaign for Pokémon fans at first glance, there is much more to it than that. Honda is not only showing a creative take on a well-known character, but also combining it with state-of-the-art mobility technology. The self-balancing base could also be used in completely different areas in the future – for example in assistive mobility solutions for people with disabilities.
Only time will tell whether Koraidon is the first step towards mobile mechs or “just” a creative technology carrier. One thing is clear: Honda is playfully combining pop culture with serious technology and thus providing an insight into possible mobility concepts of tomorrow.
Technical data:
- Height: 2.5 meters
- Weight: 303 kg (approx. 668 pounds)
- Drive: Self-balancing technology, based on Honda Riding Assist
Exhibition:
- Location: Honda Welcome Plaza Aoyama, Tokyo
- Date: March 7 to 9, 2025
- Note: Stationary exhibition, no driving demonstration on site
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