In recent years, Korean car manufacturer Hyundai has made a huge progress in the field of mobility and has become one of the leaders in this field. Still, occasionally, even they can present a concept like any other and surprise public with something never to be seen before. This time they did it with, what they call “Ultimate Mobility Vehicle (UMV)", a perfect vehicle for first response teams around the world, which is also one of the stars of this year’s CES.

UMV, a new term, made by Hyundai is what is describing their latest concept called Elevate. On the first glance, it is a normal electric vehicle that can, when needed, become an ultimate tool for rescue teams or any other first response team. Its secret are robotic legs, on which wheels are attached. They can lift the ‘vehicle’ high up into the air and can be also used for ‘walking’ – just like mammals or reptiles do. More about that in embedded video bellow.

Possibilities for using such vehicle are according to John Suh, Vice President and Head of Hyundai CRADLE and author of the project, endless. “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. This technology goes well beyond emergencies. 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.”

Still, once being let us call that ‘closer to the ground’, Elevate can act just like any other electric car. It can be used on normal roads, on highway or anywhere else, meaning it would be just as useful as any other car out there or even more, considering its special abilities. Let’s just hope Hyundai turns it into reality.