Hyundai Walking Car: A Star Wars AT-AT or technology of the future?

Walking cars are often synonymous with sci-fi classics. The first one that comes to mind is the Star Wars AT-AT, which was a large walking vehicle that wreaked havoc with lasers and Stormtroopers. What if I told you we aren’t that far from that being a reality? Hyundai has recently opened a research facility at Montana State in Bozeman, Montana where they plan to research multiple different walking vehicle concepts. Named Ultimate Mobility Vehicles, these UMV’s are the first of their kind in the modern world. What will they be used for?

They won’t be used for space invasions, that is for sure, but the UMVs will walk and be able to traverse any terrain. With the new $20 million dollar facility in Bozeman, this walking car is one step closer to becoming a reality. Hyundai will aim to improve the lives of people all across the world with this technology. Unveiled in 2019, the Hyundai Elevate is the first vehicle concept now being developed by New Horizons Studio in Bozeman. The vehicle does not rely entirely on wheels and is expected to address challenging driving situations. Using a combination of robotics and wheeled locomotion technology, Elevate and other vehicles by New Horizons Studio are expected to redefine vehicular mobility.

These walking vehicles will allow explorers and the like to explore and engage with some of the most extreme climates in the world. The vehicles will feature a normal steering wheel and wheels, but gives drivers the option to utilize long, leg- and arm-like extensions. Beyond exploration, a more practical use of these walking vehicles is for rescues. These vehicles would allow teams to safely rescue people in tough environments, where a helicopter or normal vehicle wouldn’t suffice. Lastly, these could also be used for those that are handicapped, with the vehicle being able to rise above staircases to allow for easier access. Hyundai is yet to announce the cost or release date of these UMV’s.

It will be exciting to see these concepts come to life and what uses they may have in store. With the world shifting towards easier access, the Hyundai President & Chief Innovation Officer Youngcho Chi is eager to push these experimental concepts to the public as the market will not wait to do so. Will Hyundai be on the forefront of technology and exploration in the future? Or is this just another concept?

Let us know in the comment section below!

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