With the growing numbers of unmotorable roads in Nigeria especially in some remote part of the nation and those with some terminal and high level of disabilities, succor seems to have come for those who can afford this type of car and also for some of our political gladiators who seem to fall for anything cars.
While some brands are going the luxury, Hydunai seems to be thinking outside the box by making a robotic car, a car for the future.
The Hyundai elevate concept is based on a modular EV platform with the capability to switch out different bodies for specific situations. It moves using wheels with robotic legs that allow users to drive, walk or even climb over the most treacherous terrain. The robotic leg architecture has five degrees of freedom plus wheel hub propulsion motors and is enabled by the latest in electric actuator technology. This design is uniquely capable of both mammalian and reptilian walking gaits, allowing it to move in any direction.
The legs also fold up into a stowed drive-mode, where the power to the joints is cut, and the use of an integrated passive suspension system maximizes battery efficiency. This allows elevate to drive at highway speeds just like any other vehicle with additional abilities like climbing a five-foot wall, stepping over a five-foot gap, and even achieving a 15-foot wide track width, all while keeping its body and passengers completely level. furthermore, the combination of wheeled motion with articulating legs provides a new paradigm of mobility by enabling faster walking speeds, unique dynamic driving postures and torsional control at the end of each leg.
‘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. ‘This technology goes well beyond emergency situations. people living with disabilities worldwide that don’t have access to an ADA ramp could hail an autonomous Hyundai elevate that could walk up to their front door, level itself, and allow their wheelchair to roll right in. the possibilities are limitless.’