At the World Robot Conference in Beijing on August 22, 2026, Chinese startup DaxAI unveiled the Qiji X1 All-Terrain Intelligent Mount, a ride-on robotic horse capable of carrying 660 pounds at speeds up to 25 mph. The unveiling highlights a commercial shift toward rugged quadrupeds for off-road leisure and heavy-load transport.
The Bottom Line
- Commercial Diversification: Robotics developers are moving past bipedal humanoid models to engineer specialized, high-payload quadrupedal utility platforms.
- Performance Specs: DaxAI’s Qiji X1 boasts a 62-mile (100km) range, independent leg movement, and autonomous navigation across rough terrain like gravel, mud, and steep slopes.
- Competitive Landscape: Rival firms such as DEEP Robotics and industrial conglomerates like Kawasaki Heavy Industries are actively developing ride-on robotic concepts to capture emerging niche mobility markets.
Engineering Quadrupedal Mobility Beyond Humanoids
While industry exhibitions frequently highlight bipedal humanoid robots designed to mimic human dexterity, recent showcases indicate a parallel commercial race toward high-capacity quadrupedal transport. At the Beijing exhibition, DaxAI drew significant attention with the Qiji X1 All-Terrain Intelligent Mount. The machine features four independently moving legs, motorbike-style steering handles, and a protective shield functioning as the horse’s head.
According to state-run media reports, the system is engineered to transition artificial intelligence from digital code into a physical, rideable utility device. Beyond leisure applications, developers pitch the technology for commercial logistics, including transporting heavy equipment across uneven terrain and supporting emergency rescue operations where wheeled or tracked vehicles fail.
Evaluating the Competitive Hardware Landscape
The race to build alternative personal mobility and heavy-duty robotic mounts involves several established players and emerging startups. Alongside DaxAI’s heavy-payload system, Hangzhou-based DEEP Robotics introduced a limited-edition robotic horse designed for the Year of the Horse. Weighing roughly 66 pounds and standing half a meter tall, this smaller quadruped can carry up to 110 pounds.
International competitors are also exploring the segment. Heavy machinery manufacturer Kawasaki Heavy Industries previously showcased its CORLEO concept during the Osaka Kansai Expo under its “Impulse to Move” initiative. Unlike DaxAI’s horse, Kawasaki’s two-seater quadruped relies on rider body movements and AI vision to navigate unstructured environments like grasslands and rubble fields, with commercialization targeted toward 2050.
| Manufacturer / Model | Payload Capacity | Top Speed | Operational Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| DaxAI Qiji X1 | 660 lbs (300 kg) | 25 mph (40 km/h) | 62 miles (100 km) |
| DEEP Robotics Model | 110 lbs (50 kg) | Not Disclosed | Not Disclosed |
| Kawasaki CORLEO | Two-Seater Concept | Variable (All-Terrain) | Concept Phase (2050 Target) |
Commercial Viability and Market Integration Hurdles
Despite strong interest generated at the Beijing conference, significant commercialization questions remain. Neither DaxAI nor DEEP Robotics has published exact retail pricing or definitive retail launch dates for their quadrupedal mounts. Industrial analysts point out that production costs, maintenance of complex multi-jointed hydraulic or electric actuators, and safety certifications for consumer-facing ride-on robotics represent substantial barriers to entry.
As venture capital and corporate balance sheets continue to fund advanced automation, the commercial success of these platforms will depend heavily on finding reliable B2B use cases—such as agricultural transport and disaster response—before consumer leisure markets mature.
Market Outlook and Future Trajectory
The expansion of quadrupedal engineering beyond traditional robot dogs demonstrates a broader appetite for functional, high-payload automation. While consumer acceptance and regulatory frameworks for ride-on robots are still in their infancy, continued engineering advancements by firms in China and Japan indicate that robotic quadrupeds will occupy an increasingly visible role in specialized industrial transport.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice.
