The car with LEGS: Hyundai unveils Elevate that can 'go anywhere'

While many cars claim to be the ultimate off roader, Hyundai had revealed a radical new take - a car with legs that can simply walk over terrain it struggles to drive over.

The firm revealed its Elevate concept at CES in Las Vegas, showing off vehicles aimed at first responders.

It combines a traditional wheel with a leg the unfolds for dangerous terrain.

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It even revealed a New York taxi concept that can climb stairs to pick up passengers in a wheelchair, allowing them to simply roll in.

However, the firm says first responders are likely to be the first customers for the vehicle.

'When a tsunami or earthquake hits, current rescue vehicles can only deliver first responders to the edge of the debris field,' said John Suh of Hyundai. 

'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.'

Elevate is the first Ultimate Mobility Vehicle (UMV), blending technology found in electric cars and robots, which allows it to traverse terrain beyond the limitations of even the most capable off-road vehicle, Hyundai says.

The Elevate concept is based on a modular EV platform with the capability to switch out different bodies for specific situations. 

The robotic leg architecture has five degrees of freedom plus wheel hub propulsion motors and is enabled by the latest in electric actuator technology.