HyundaiThe guys and gals over at Hyundai have been taking tips from Bumblebee and the gang, it was revealed as they unveiled their new walking car concept.
Hyundai have upped the ante on the latest in automobile technology with this new vehicle, aptly dubbed Elevate, for its moveable legs, which allow it to navigate over difficult terrain.
The car makers believe the car could one day be used by first responders in response to natural disasters – and could provide more effective transport for those with different physical abilities.
John Suh, Hyundai vice president, said:
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.
He continued to outline the social implications of the incredible design, saying:
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.
Hyundai says the car is capable of both mammalian and reptilian walking gaits, and is able to mimic the majesty of Mother Nature herself, thanks to robotic legs with ‘five degrees of freedom’.
This tech allows the car to climb walls, step over huge gaps, and walk over uneven terrain, all while keeping its passengers – hopefully not prone to car sickness – completely level.
The legs also fold up into a stowed drive-mode, allowing Elevate to drive at highway speeds just like regular cars.
David Byron, design manager, said:
By combining the power of robotics with Hyundai’s latest EV technology, Elevate has the ability to take people where no car has been before, and redefine our perception of vehicular freedom.
Imagine a car stranded in a snow ditch just 10 feet off the highway being able to walk or climb over the treacherous terrain, back to the road potentially saving its injured passengers – this is the future of vehicular mobility.
How’s that for an impressive vehicle, Mr Musk?
As of yet, it’s unclear as to whether Hyundai intend to make this concept a reality. Until then, there’s always the Transformers franchise.
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A former emo kid who talks too much about 8Chan meme culture, the Kardashian Klan, and how her smartphone is probably killing her. Francesca is a Cardiff University Journalism Masters grad who has done words for BBC, ELLE, The Debrief, DAZED, an art magazine you’ve never heard of and a feminist zine which never went to print.