Hyundai has introduced its newest 4-legged vehicle concept. Why ask for an Apple car when you have got one with 4 legs? The automaker received a controlling stake in robot maker Boston Dynamics not long ago.
And now, it is revealing a new version of the 4-legged ‘walking car’ concept which was first rolled out in 2019. This vehicle is termed as TIGER. The abbreviation stands for “Transforming Intelligent Ground Excursion Robot.”
Keep on reading to know more about this rare product. If you’re interested to sell any car in UAE, check out the CarSwitch platform.
Origin of the concept car
TIGER is the second car to come forth from the brand’s Ultimate Mobility Vehicles studio located in Silicon Valley. It is also the first vehicle manufactured to be completely autonomous, having no area for occupants or drivers. In simple words, it resembles a real life Transformer but excluding the “bent on world domination” feel.
Motivation of creating this car
Truth be told, the automaker legit feels that it’s 4-legged cars have the ability to make the automotive industry a better place. The cars are manufactured particularly to access remote places for projects regarding scientific research, or to supply medical tools and food in a natural disaster or other catastrophe.
Working of the vehicle and official statements
But how does the vehicle function? TIGER is equipped with 4 legs, all of which have an arrangement of joints, allowing the car to mimic both reptilian and mammalian walking style. In the words of Hyundai:
“Based on a modular platform architecture, its features include a sophisticated leg and wheel locomotion system, 360-degree directional control, and a range of sensors for remote observation. It is also intended to connect to unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), which can fully charge and deliver TIGER to inaccessible locations…
With its legs retracted, TIGER drives like an all-wheel drive vehicle and is in its most efficient mode because it moves by rolling traction. But when the vehicle gets stuck or needs to travel over terrain that is difficult or impassable for wheels alone, it uses its walking ability to get unstuck or more easily travel over that terrain.”
What TIGER is capable of doing
If TIGER resembles a Mars Rover in your eyes, that is intentional. Hyundai thinks the tech involved in the vehicle can make it ready for a space related venture. This walking car is capable of crossing rough terrain, going upwards on a wall, stepping over a gap, and extending its legs to a 15 feet big track area- while keeping the main interior plus boot area balanced at the same time. When it is not in the field, the legs of the car are tucked beneath and can be driven similar to a standard off-roading vehicle.
Will TIGER be available for purchase?
However, do not get too hyped up as TIGER is a mere evidence of concept till yet. There is not a certainty that the South Korean automaker will push it into production. That being said, Hyundai expects “this new class of vehicles to grow rapidly over the coming years.” Moreover, a spokesperson said that the company is also working on different UMV concept vehicles for other purposes.
History of Hyundai’s concept cars
The South Korean automaker’s first ever 4-legged vehicle is known as Elevate. It was manufactured to transport occupants, whereas TIGER is meant to be totally empty- that is, no occupants and drivers can sit in.
And while TIGER might show similarities with the Boston Dynamics robot dog, Spot, no concept was made with any input from the robotics firm which the automaker acquired not long ago. Hyundai was thinking about becoming a manufacturing partner with Apple, which is preparing to reveal its own electric and autonomous car.
However, those debates unfortunately deteriorated and Hyundai along with its subsidiary Kia, have looked round for downplaying rumors that it was working with the tech giant Apple.
So, this was the news on TIGER revealed so far. What do you think about this concept? Is it practical to you? If you want more information or simply want to buy or sell used cars anywhere in the Middle East, see our website CarSwitch.
