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Hyundai has revealed a walking car concept, and it looks just like a vehicle from the Transformer film series.

The car, dubbed ‘Elevate’, has moveable legs, which allow it to navigate through more difficult terrain.

Hyundai believes it could one day be used by first responders in response to natural disasters, such as forest fires, earthquakes, hurricanes or floods.

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

(Image: 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.

“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.”

Hyundai says the car is capable of both mammalian and reptilian walking gaits, thanks to robotic legs with five degrees of freedom.

(Image: Hyundai) (Image: Hyundai)

This allows the car to climb walls, step over huge gaps, and walk over uneven terrain, all while keeping is passengers completely level.

The legs also fold up into a stowed drive-mode, allowing Elevate to drive at highway speeds just like regular cars.

David Byron, design manager, said: “By combining the power of robotics with Hyundai's latest EV technology, Elevate has the ability to take people where no car has been before, and redefine our perception of vehicular freedom.

(Image: Hyundai)

“Imagine a car stranded in a snow ditch just 10 feet off the highway being able to walk or climb over the treacherous terrain, back to the road potentially saving its injured passengers – this is the future of vehicular mobility."

It’s unclear when, or if, Hyundai plans to turn the concept into a reality.