A ‘walking’ car is going to become a reality in near future. ‘Elevate’, the Ultimate Mobility Vehicle (UMV), is a very unique car. It can drive, walk and even climb! It may sound like something out of a movie, but this is, in fact, a real car being developed by Hyundai.
The car, according to Hyundai, is aimed at providing effective assistance to the first responders in the event of a natural disaster. Usually, when a disaster strikes, the rescuers or the first responders may find it difficult to reach the victims and provide immediate help. Depending on the severity of the disaster—flood, landslide, earthquake—the time taken to reach the victims may vary. This is where Elevate will come in handy. Its technology (it has robotic legs) will enable it to traverse rough terrains and reach the victims without wasting precious time.
“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, Vice President and Head of Hyundai CRADLE.
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The vehicle will also help those with disability. If such people are living in a place that does not have a ramp, Elevate can come to their aid. For example, they can order an Elevate cab, which will walk up to their door and they can easily step into it.
Apart from driving like a normal car on road, Elevate’s robotic legs can help it to move like a reptile as well as walk like a mammal. This allows it to be omnidirectional – it can be driven in any direction, which is a very unique feature. Further, this car can also climb over a five-foot wall and step over a five-foot gap.
So, what do you think of this futuristic vehicle? Will it really help the rescuers and other people traverse the terrain easily? Do let us know in the comments below.
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