CES: Hyundai teases first Ultimate Mobility Vehicle
BY JUSTIN HILLIARD | 3rd Jan 2019
HYUNDAI may have stolen next week’s Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas before it even has started, teasing what the Korean brand claims is the world’s first Ultimate Mobility Vehicle (UMV).
Appropriately dubbed Elevate, the UMV is said to be capable of using its robotic legs with wheels to drive, walk and climb over the most challenging terrains the world has to offer.
“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.”
Set to be revealed in full at 11.00am (AEST) on January 8, 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 a rock-covered mine.
The Elevate will make its international debut as a design concept and in prototype form, opening the door for a future production run, although Hyundai is yet to confirm its plans.
Created by Cradle, Hyundai Motor Group (HMG)’s Centre for Robotic-Augmented Design in Living Experiences based in Silicon Valley, California, the Elevate delivers on one of its goals, to develop futuristic new concepts.
Formerly known as Hyundai Ventures, Cradle was launched in November 2017 with two other aims of strategic venture capital and open collaboration with start-ups.
To achieve these three objectives, Cradle’s investments focus on several themes, including robotic and intelligent systems, eco-friendly technologies and mobility services, all of which can be seen in the Elevate.
“In addition to Hyundai Ventures’ purview of identifying and investing in new technologies and markets, Cradle will drive growth of innovations from their initial conceptualisation into the prototype phase and far beyond,” Hyundai Cradle vice-president John Suh said.
“To this end, we will look both externally and internally for innovation and ways to tap new markets and technologies.”
Cradle forms a key part of HMG’s efforts in quickly and effectively responding to the rapidly changing needs and environments associated with the automotive industry.
