TECH NEWS – Visitors at CES could watch as Hundai has shown off a small model of a car it says can activate robotic legs to walk at 3mph (5km/h) over rough terrain. The walking car is “also” able to climb a 5ft (1.5m) wall and jump a 5ft gap and the Hyundai Elevate could be suitable for emergency rescues following natural disasters, it is said.

The walking car was involved in of a project exploring “beyond the range of wheels”, as it was told to the press. The very concept was developed during three years and was exposed at the CES technology fair in Las Vegas.

“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,” told the press Hyundai vice-president John Suh. “Elevate can drive to the scene and climb right over flood debris or crumbled concrete.”

Mr Suh also implied that wheelchair users could be collected via the vehicles, which could “walk” up to the front door of a building with step or stairs-only access. In some cases, when the door isn’t available, one can also access the window, might we add.

Prof David Bailey, from Aston Business School, said: “Often car companies bring out lots of concepts which may or may not make it into production but it’s great to think in new ways about mobility.”

“For most of us, it’s going to be wheels and roads but in extreme situations there may be scope for this sort of thing.”

“There may well be applications in terms of emergency services – but there are very big technological challenges to make this sort of thing.”

SOURCE: BBC Technology