Hyundai's four

Hyundai executives at CES Monday talked about future autonomous cars, connected devices, "cars as a living space," and more, but everyone just wanted to see the model of the funky walking robot-car that was silently crouched on the stage.

When it finally did emerge, we were introduced to the Elevate, a walking electric car concept, that can be used for rescue missions in snow, post-earthquake rubble, high mountain peaks, and more. It has noble intentions, but it's very spider-like despite only having four limbs.

SEE ALSO: Nissan's freaky AR concept would project friends in your car, make it look sunny outside

Hyundai called it a "last 100 yards" solution, a play on the "last mile." It's been dubbed a "Ultimate Mobility Vehicle," or UMV. It can walk on its four "legs" or convert into drive mode with wheels instead of legs. It can even handle stairs. Whatever it is, it's more creature than vehicle.

Mashable Light Speed Want more out-of-this world tech, space and science stories? Sign up for Mashable's weekly Light Speed newsletter. By clicking Sign Me Up, you confirm you are 16+ and agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Thanks for signing up!

Snow can't stop Elevate. Credit: hyundai

Hyundai explained how it has both mammalian and reptilian walking gaits and can climb a 5 foot wall or cross a 5 foot gap -- all while keeping rescued passengers inside the cabin. Hyundai claims the Elevate body will keep people level and not jostle them around.

Not even off-road vehicles can do all this.

Tweet may have been deleted

Luckily this is just an idea, so the design elements can (and hopefully will) change so that stranded people aren't completely freaked out when the Elevate scurries over to save them.

---

Featured Video For You

---

This 3-seater concept car can fix its body after an accident — Future Blink

---