hyundai unveils TIGER, a four-legged car that can walk where it can't drive

hyundai has unveiled TIGER (transforming intelligent ground excursion robot) — the company’s second ultimate mobility vehicle (UMV) and the first designed to be completely uncrewed. TIGER’s exceptional capabilities have been designed to function as a mobile scientific exploration platform in extreme, remote locations. 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.

images by hyundai

during CES 2019, hyundai unveiled elevate, a four-legged car concept designed to prepare communities in the event of a natural disaster. the second iteration of the project is TIGER, which continues with the idea of developing a transforming intelligent ground excursion robot that can carry various types of payload while traveling over challenging terrain. its leg-wheel articulation enables it to tackle a range of extreme situations while keeping payloads more level than a typical ground vehicle.

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. the difference between elevate and TIGER is that, while the former can carry passengers, the latter is uncrewed.

‘vehicles like TIGER, and the technologies underpinning it, give us an opportunity to push our imaginations,’ said dr. john suh, head of new horizons studio. ‘we are constantly looking at ways to rethink vehicle design and development and re-define the future of transportation and mobility.’

TIGER is being developed by hyundai motor group’s new horizons studio established in late 2020 to develop UMVs drawing on research and innovation leadership from silicon valley and other innovation hubs.

project info:

name: TIGER walking car

company: hyundai

type: concept car