Sunday , February 9 2025

Hyundai unleashes walking concept car

Hyundai unleashes walking concept car

Introducing the car that can climb walls and step over holes thanks to its robotic legs, potentially transforming the way rescue teams operate in disaster zones.

More than 10,000 people died in natural catastrophes in 2017, with an estimated 201 million needing international humanitarian assistance.

One of the problems is reaching those affected, so Hyundai has unveiled Elevate, a concept vehicle which blends technology found in electric cars and robots to cover terrain beyond the limitations of even the most capable off-road vehicle.

Hyundai unleashes walking concept car

Elevate can be driven by first responders to a location like a traditional electric car, but when the terrain gets tough, it can use its “highly dexterous” robotic legs to move in any direction.

It can climb a 5ft wall, step over a 5ft gap, walk at 3mph over tricky terrain, and achieve a 15ft wide wheelbase, all while keeping its body and passengers completely level.

The legs, which can ‘walk’ like a mammal or reptile, also fold up into a stowed drive-mode, where power to the joints is cut, and the use of an integrated passive suspension system maximizes battery efficiency.

Hyundai unleashes walking concept car

It is not just disaster zones where people can benefit from Elevate, according to Hyundai.

Disabled people who don’t have access to a ramp outside their home could hail an Elevate taxi that could walk up to their front door, level itself, and allow their wheelchair to roll in.

Elevate is part of Hyundai’s ‘Centre for Robotic-Augmented Design in Living Experiences’ (Cradle), which aims to enhance transportation on and off the road.

Elevate - Hyundai's walking concept car

It has been dubbed the world’s first ‘Ultimate Mobility Vehicle’ and is being revealed in concept form at this week’s Consumer Electronic Show in Las Vegas, USA.

Hyundai is also unveiling an electric concept car which can autonomously drive to an empty parking space to be charged up.

About Gareth Herincx

Gareth is a versatile journalist, copywriter and digital editor who's worked across the media in newspapers, magazines, TV, teletext, radio and online. After long stints at the BBC, GMTV and ITV, he now specialises in motoring.

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