At the CES 2019, a global stage for innovation, Hyundai revealed a futuristic ‘Elevate’ Walking Car Concept, and it’s incredible. Its wheels are attached to robotic legs that allow users to drive, walk, or even climb over extremely rocky terrain.
Hyundai Motor Group has recently announced the development of a new unit based in Silicon Valley, California, called New Horizons Studio, that’s working on making these vehicles a reality. New Horizons Studio will produce Ultimate Mobility Vehicles (UMVs), including Hyundai’s Elevate concept vehicle.
Dr. John Suh, who will run the New Horizons Studio, said:
We aim to create the world’s first transformer-class vehicle, also known as the Ultimate Mobility Vehicle.
The New Horizons Studio will use a combination of robotics and wheelchair technology to build vehicles with extraordinary mobility that surpass traditional development limits. The cars will be a cross between off-road terrains with mobility that didn’t exist before.
Since the vehicle has robotic legs and doesn’t rely on wheels, it could address challenging driving situations and even save lives as the first responder in natural disasters. Wheelchair users who don’t have a ramp could have the car walk up to their front door, level itself, and allow wheelchairs to roll in smoothly. This is one example of how UMVs can play a significant role in improving our daily lives.
The Hyundai Elevate is the inaugural vehicle concept of the New Horizons Studio. Watch the Hyundai Elevate transforming from driving to walking across mountains in the video below.
