Hyundai To Unveil Cradle Concept Called Elevate

Hyundai is all set to unveil the Elevate, a concept developed by Cradle, Hyundai Motor Group (HMG)’s Centre for Robotic-Augmented Design in Living Experiences. Hyundai is referring to the Elevate as the world’s first Ultimate Mobility Vehicle (UMV). The Cradle Concept is basically a “walking car” which features wheels mounted onto robotic legs. This allows users to “drive, walk or even climb over the most treacherous terrain.”

As of now, the Elevate has been previewed by a single teaser image that shows it being used as a humanitarian-aid vehicle, complete with red-and-white livery and the Red Cross, in what looks like to be an earthquake affected landscape. The Elevate is said to operate in the worst of the conditions in order to fulfil its purpose of being a rescue vehicle.

“This vehicle combines the power of robotics and EV technology to take people where no vehicle has been before,” Hyundai said in a statement. “The four-legged Hyundai Elevate will redefine our perception of vehicular mobility.”

The teaser image suggest that the legs could be retractable. This would allow the Elevate to transition from a walking giant into a fairly traditional van. Other highlights seen in the picture are the massive doors, distinctive cockpit and a protrusion that hint at a roof-mounted hatch.

The Cradle concept will be revealed in full at CES on 7th January.