Hyundai’s Elevate Concept Can Walk and Climb Stairs

Say what you will about Hyundai, but they’ve never disappointed when it comes to impressive concept vehicles. Their latest, Elevate, walks off the beaten path… literally. Seriously. The Elevate concept rolls on a traditional suspension normally, but each wheel is connected to a robotic leg that can be deployed to allow the vehicle to walk like a reptile or a mammal over rocky terrain. As if teaching a robot car to walk wasn’t difficult enough, it can also climb stairs or up to a 5′ vertical wall. The idea behind the concept is to give first responders and people with disabilities “Last Mile” or “Last 100 Yards” support where it’s needed. This probably goes without saying, but this is a concept that will most likely never see the light of day. We’re not just saying that because Hyundai has no plans for production, either. Even if they wanted to build it, there are so many infeasible or downright impossible aspects of this vehicle that will need to be overcome before it could be produced. With that said, we’re hoping (expecting!) Hyundai and other automakers to integrate similar ideas into vehicles in the future, which is good because first responders can use all the help they can get.