Hyundai Walking Car Concept

Hyundai Walking car concept, an exploration of mobility and innovation that goes beyond the range of wheels.

Debuting at CES 2019, “Elevate”, the Ultimate Mobility Vehicle (UMV), prepares communities in the event of a natural disaster. Wheels with robotic legs allow users to drive, walk or even climb over the most treacherous terrain.

This prototype comes from Hyundai Cradle, a hub for corporate venturing and innovation business, which takes on the responsibility for securing Hyundai’s vision of a cleaner, more integrated answer to transportation.

The need for efficient, rapid, resilient transportation for disaster assistance is what led Hyundai to develop the first-ever vehicle with moveable legs. Elevate is the first Ultimate Mobility Vehicle (UMV), blending technology found in electric cars and robots, which allows it to traverse terrain beyond the limitations of even the most capable off-road vehicle.

John Suh, Hyundai vice president and head of Hyundai Cradle, explains:

“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. This technology goes well beyond emergency situations – people living with disabilities worldwide that don’t have access to an ADA ramp could hail an autonomous Hyundai Elevate that could walk up to their front door, level itself, and allow their wheelchair to roll right in – the possibilities are limitless.”