Its looks could be flawed for a Transformer, but Hyundai’s ‘walking car’ idea, uncovered at CES 2019, could be the future of tragedy support and emergency retort.
South Korean car creator Hyundai has uncovered this innovative concept vehicle that allows users to drive, walk or even climb over land. Called Elevate, van-like vehicle developed to help first responders travel over rough land that would stop even the craggiest SUV dead in its tracks.
‘When a tsunami or earthquake hits, current rescue vehicles can only deliver first responders to the edge of the debris field. They have to go the rest of the way by foot. Elevate can drive to the scene and climb right over flood debris or crumbled concrete,’ said John Suh, Hyundai vice president and head of Hyundai CRADLE.
According to Hyundai, the Elevate model is based on a flexible EV platform with the ability to switch out different bodies for exact situations. The robotic leg architecture has five degrees of freedom plus wheel hub impulsion motors and is enabled by electrical actuator technology.
The Elevate rides on a segmental electrical stand that lets users swap out the body with virtual ease. It can serve as an ambulance on one day and perform taxi liabilities the following day. The legs are motorised by in-wheel electric motors, and self-sufficient skill allows the Elevate to direct in a wide range of settings. It can climb a 5-foot upright wall, step over a 5-foot gap, walk like a reptile or like a mammal, and lower itself to drive at 75 mph on the throughway like a normal car.
Hyundai has worked on the Elevate concept for the past three years. Hyundai told the Elevate is just a study project at this time.
