New patent filings show the inner workings of Hyundai's Ultimate Mobility Vehicle.
When it comes to technology, Hyundai is always looking for the next big thing. In 2019, the Korean brand previewed the Ultimate Mobility Vehicle (UMV) and claimed this unique machine would enter production. Thanks to a recently discovered patent filing, it seems the “walking car” is inching closer to reality. CarBuzz found the patent, filed with the German Patent and Trademark Office.
As per the patent filing, the UMV (also known as Elevate) endeavors to go where no ordinary truck or car can. It does so by utilizing a combination of traditional wheels and legs, which allow for greater maneuverability. “In some embodiments, the wheel-leg locomotion is performed using a plurality of wheel-leg units. Four wheel-leg units are provided, which are operated jointly to enable the desired locomotion,” reads the description.
Further into the filing, the vehicle is described as highly adaptable and useful for “senile mobility” and “search and rescue” missions, among other things.
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It appears as if a larger version (big enough for passengers) is in the cards, along with a smaller “unmanned” version for exploration or goods delivery.
When in “walking” mode, the UMV can traverse tricky terrain and steep elevations. The vehicle will even be able to “jump” over gaps. While this all sounds very cumbersome, the patent filing claims that, in some instances, the walking movement provides improved maneuverability and “quiet movement in comparison to the movement of the wheel.”
It also says the UMV can move sideways, meaning it can essentially step aside and move around obstacles if need be. This is a rather clever vehicle, with all sorts of engineering to ensure progress is made smoothly. Thanks to wheel-mounted electric motors, the suspension does not need conventional axles.
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Acting as the UMV's feet, the wheels can be rotated in “micro-movements during climbing or during self-restoration.” Moreover, they can be rotated 180 degrees to the hob, allowing the wheel to extricate itself when blocked and in walking mode. This sounds similar to the Hummer EV's crab mode. Hyundai has already previewed its version of this nifty feature on a specially modified version of the Ioniq 5.
The filing notes these vehicles are fully or partially autonomous, particularly when walking mode is engaged. “In situations where the vehicle is used to overcome rocks or cross other irregular surfaces, which can be facilitated by the driver leaving the vehicle and moving to the foot,” the filing reads.
However, the conventional wheels enable the UMV to operate as a regular motorcar on tarmac roads, where it will presumably also functions as a semi-autonomous vehicle.
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WIPO WIPO WIPOSo why is Hyundai developing something of this nature? The company realizes that mobility is changing, and instead of waiting for consumer demand, the automaker is anticipating what customers and individuals will require in the near future.
As mentioned, the UMV can assist the elderly, for example, by making ingress and egress far easier than before. The possibilities are endless. The UMV could be used by emergency services in terrain that requires something greater than an SUV, for example. An image preview from Hyundai shows it in service as a taxi, raising itself to meet a wheelchair-bound passenger at their door.
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Keyword: Hyundai's Walking Car Is One Step Closer To Reality