Featured – CU-ICAR https://cuicar.com Clemson University International Center for Automotive Research Thu, 14 Aug 2025 17:40:39 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.8.2 Clemson University Unveils Deep Orange 16: A Semi-Autonomous, Off-Road Rapid Response Vehicle https://cuicar.com/clemson-university-unveils-deep-orange-16-a-semi-autonomous-off-road-rapid-response-vehicle/ https://cuicar.com/clemson-university-unveils-deep-orange-16-a-semi-autonomous-off-road-rapid-response-vehicle/#respond Wed, 13 Aug 2025 19:07:46 +0000 https://cuicar.com/?p=8099

Clemson University Unveils Deep Orange 16: A Semi-Autonomous, Off-Road Rapid Response Vehicle

August 12, 2025

Clemson University Unveils Deep Orange 16: A Semi-Autonomous, Off-Road Rapid Response Vehicle

August 12, 2025

Clemson University has unveiled Deep Orange 16, a next-generation, semi-autonomous vehicle designed to transform emergency response in extreme conditions. Developed by graduate automotive engineering students in the university’s acclaimed Deep Orange program, the vehicle merges advanced technology with mission-critical functionality to enhance the speed, safety, and efficiency of rescue operations.

Sponsored by the Virtual Prototyping of Autonomy-Enabled Ground Systems (VIPR-GS) Research Center and developed in collaboration with the U.S. Army and other strategic partners, Deep Orange 16 is engineered to tackle some of the toughest challenges in high-risk rescue scenarios—reducing response time while limiting the number of personnel needed in the field.

Mission-Driven Design

Inspired by the real-world challenges faced during Hurricane Helene, the Deep Orange 16 team engineered the vehicle to support critical disaster response efforts. On its outbound journey, the vehicle can deliver a full pallet of emergency supplies to affected areas. For the return trip, the vehicle operates autonomously—transporting up to six individuals, including injured passengers, to safety. Capable of reaching the scene within the “golden hour,” the vehicle also generates a high-resolution digital terrain map for the autonomous return, allowing the original driver to remain on-site and assist ongoing rescue efforts.

Engineered for the Elements

  • High-speed, semi-autonomous vehicle with a 350-kilometer range and off-road capabilities built for unpredictable terrain.
  • Series hybrid powertrain enables continuous battery charging to extend range and supports near-silent operation for special mission scenarios.
  • Designed for real-time deployment, Deep Orange 16 features a lightweight, weatherproof exterior engineered for reliable operation in a variety of environmental conditions.

Innovative Monitoring

  • A 360-degree camera system provides full situational awareness, including tire-level views for obstacle detection.
  • An AI-powered heads-up display alerts drivers to hazards up to 100 feet away, enhancing navigation and safety.
  • Onboard medical monitoring tracks patient vitals in real time, including temperature, heart rate, and perspiration during transport.

Rescue-Ready Interior

  • Interior accommodates the transport of six people, including a rotating passenger seat to support multiple operational roles.
  • Ergonomic litter loader streamlines patient or supply loading.
  • MOLLE storage system offers secure, modular organization of rescue and medical gear.
  • Rear hatch fits a standard pallet of supplies, while the clam-shell design enables flexible loading of oversized cargo.
  • Integrated exterior compartments securely transport fire rescue equipment.

Deep Orange 16 students and staff with their prototype vehicle on the CU-ICAR campus.

Developing Industry Leaders

Deep Orange 16 showcases the innovation, technical expertise, and dedication of the 17-member team of graduate students from Clemson’s automotive engineering program. “Deep Orange pushes us to think like real-world engineers,” said team lead Rohit Godse. “We are not just learning theory, but solving complex, high-stakes problems that prepare us to lead in the industry from day one.”

From initial concept to fully functional prototype, the team collaborated with the VIPR-GS Research Center, government agencies, and industry partners to solve practical challenges—gaining hands-on experience that prepares them to enter the workforce as industry-ready engineers. “The Deep Orange program demonstrates what’s possible when academia, government, and industry come together to solve real-world problems,” said Dr. Robert Prucka, Kulwicki Endowed Professor and Chair of the Department of Automotive Engineering. “Our students are not only driving innovation—they’re helping to save lives by improving how we respond to emergencies in the most challenging environments.”

Deep Orange 16 was officially unveiled at the Ground Vehicle Systems Engineering & Technology Symposium (GVSETS) in Novi, Michigan. It will now serve as a test and validation platform for ongoing research by the VIPR-GS Research Center, located at the Clemson University International Center for Automotive Research (CU-ICAR) in Greenville, South Carolina.

 

Acknowledgment: This work was supported by Clemson University’s Virtual Prototyping of Autonomy Enabled Ground Systems (VIPR-GS), under Cooperative Agreement W56HZV-21-2-0001 with the US Army DEVCOM Ground Vehicle Systems Center (GVSC).

DISTRIBUTION STATEMENT A. Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited. OPSEC9980.

In March of 1990, Ford Motor Company unveiled a new model SUV, the Ford Explorer. That same year the company had a second, perhaps lesser-known launch, the career of a budding engineer named Jamie Forbes. Now, after 32 years with the industry icon, Jamie conveys a wealth of knowledge and insights to Clemson University automotive engineering students. Among the many lessons he imparts, perhaps the most important is the value of perspective.

Mission-Driven Design

After completing his education, Jamie established both his family and career in Farmington Hills, Michigan. Over the next three decades he and his wife, Irene, raised their three daughters, all while Jamie’s career continued to evolve at Ford. Throughout his tenure, he was entrusted with several key roles and helped build departments in optical metrology, mechanical packaging, vehicle engineering, and ergonomics.

In 2011, Jamie hired a young Clemson graduate who had just completed a program called Deep Orange. “He was amazing,” Jamie recalled. “And what I’ve found is that when you have a great engineer and you need more, you ask if they any friends because smart people tend to hang out together.” In the years that followed, Jamie recruited more than 50 Clemson engineering graduates to Ford, creating a valuable pipeline of talent. “It got to the point where I knew if you had worked on Deep Orange, I was going to hire you.”  This growing connection led to personal relationships with professors and eventually, Ford’s sponsorship of Deep Orange 10, a self-driving passenger vehicle prototype aimed at reclaiming drivetime for families, students, and business professionals.

As Jamie’s industry career was nearing its end, he was approached about one final role — an opportunity that would allow him to pour into the very program and students he’d come to admire during his time at Ford.

Deep Orange 16 students and staff with their prototype vehicle on the CU-ICAR campus.

Developing Industry Leaders

Deep Orange 16 showcases the innovation, technical expertise, and dedication of the 17-member team of graduate students from Clemson’s automotive engineering program. “Deep Orange pushes us to think like real-world engineers,” said team lead Rohit Godse. “We are not just learning theory, but solving complex, high-stakes problems that prepare us to lead in the industry from day one.”

From initial concept to fully functional prototype, the team collaborated with the VIPR-GS Research Center, government agencies, and industry partners to solve practical challenges—gaining hands-on experience that prepares them to enter the workforce as industry-ready engineers. “The Deep Orange program demonstrates what’s possible when academia, government, and industry come together to solve real-world problems,” said Dr. Robert Prucka, Kulwicki Endowed Professor and Chair of the Department of Automotive Engineering. “Our students are not only driving innovation—they’re helping to save lives by improving how we respond to emergencies in the most challenging environments.”

Deep Orange 16 was officially unveiled at the Ground Vehicle Systems Engineering & Technology Symposium (GVSETS) in Novi, Michigan. It will now serve as a test and validation platform for ongoing research by the VIPR-GS Research Center, located at the Clemson University International Center for Automotive Research (CU-ICAR) in Greenville, South Carolina.

 

Acknowledgment: This work was supported by Clemson University’s Virtual Prototyping of Autonomy Enabled Ground Systems (VIPR-GS), under Cooperative Agreement W56HZV-21-2-0001 with the US Army DEVCOM Ground Vehicle Systems Center (GVSC).

DISTRIBUTION STATEMENT A. Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited. OPSEC9980.

Clemson University has unveiled Deep Orange 16, a next-generation, semi-autonomous vehicle designed to transform emergency response in extreme conditions. Developed by graduate automotive engineering students in the university’s acclaimed Deep Orange program, the vehicle merges advanced technology with mission-critical functionality to enhance the speed, safety, and efficiency of rescue operations.

Sponsored by the Virtual Prototyping of Autonomy-Enabled Ground Systems (VIPR-GS) Research Center and developed in collaboration with the U.S. Army and other strategic partners, Deep Orange 16 is engineered to tackle some of the toughest challenges in high-risk rescue scenarios—reducing response time while limiting the number of personnel needed in the field.

Mission-Driven Design

Inspired by the real-world challenges faced during Hurricane Helene, the Deep Orange 16 team engineered the vehicle to support critical disaster response efforts. On its outbound journey, the vehicle can deliver a full pallet of emergency supplies to affected areas. For the return trip, the vehicle operates autonomously—transporting up to six individuals, including injured passengers, to safety. Capable of reaching the scene within the “golden hour,” the vehicle also generates a high-resolution digital terrain map for the autonomous return, allowing the original driver to remain on-site and assist ongoing rescue efforts.

Engineered for the Elements

  • High-speed, semi-autonomous vehicle with a 350-kilometer range and off-road capabilities built for unpredictable terrain.
  • Series hybrid powertrain enables continuous battery charging to extend range and supports near-silent operation for special mission scenarios.
  • Designed for real-time deployment, Deep Orange 16 features a lightweight, weatherproof exterior engineered for reliable operation in a variety of environmental conditions.

Innovative Monitoring

  • A 360-degree camera system provides full situational awareness, including tire-level views for obstacle detection.
  • An AI-powered heads-up display alerts drivers to hazards up to 100 feet away, enhancing navigation and safety.
  • Onboard medical monitoring tracks patient vitals in real time, including temperature, heart rate, and perspiration during transport.

Rescue-Ready Interior

  • Interior accommodates the transport of six people, including a rotating passenger seat to support multiple operational roles.
  • Ergonomic litter loader streamlines patient or supply loading.
  • MOLLE storage system offers secure, modular organization of rescue and medical gear.
  • Rear hatch fits a standard pallet of supplies, while the clam-shell design enables flexible loading of oversized cargo.
  • Integrated exterior compartments securely transport fire rescue equipment.

Deep Orange 16 students and staff with their prototype vehicle on the CU-ICAR campus.

Developing Industry Leaders

Deep Orange 16 showcases the innovation, technical expertise, and dedication of the 17-member team of graduate students from Clemson’s automotive engineering program. “Deep Orange pushes us to think like real-world engineers,” said team lead Rohit Godse. “We are not just learning theory, but solving complex, high-stakes problems that prepare us to lead in the industry from day one.”

From initial concept to fully functional prototype, the team collaborated with the VIPR-GS Research Center, government agencies, and industry partners to solve practical challenges—gaining hands-on experience that prepares them to enter the workforce as industry-ready engineers. “The Deep Orange program demonstrates what’s possible when academia, government, and industry come together to solve real-world problems,” said Dr. Robert Prucka, Kulwicki Endowed Professor and Chair of the Department of Automotive Engineering. “Our students are not only driving innovation—they’re helping to save lives by improving how we respond to emergencies in the most challenging environments.”

Deep Orange 16 was officially unveiled at the Ground Vehicle Systems Engineering & Technology Symposium (GVSETS) in Novi, Michigan. It will now serve as a test and validation platform for ongoing research by the VIPR-GS Research Center, located at the Clemson University International Center for Automotive Research (CU-ICAR) in Greenville, South Carolina.

Acknowledgment: This work was supported by Clemson University’s Virtual Prototyping of Autonomy Enabled Ground Systems (VIPR-GS), under Cooperative Agreement W56HZV-21-2-0001 with the US Army DEVCOM Ground Vehicle Systems Center (GVSC).

DISTRIBUTION STATEMENT A. Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited. OPSEC9980.

]]> https://cuicar.com/clemson-university-unveils-deep-orange-16-a-semi-autonomous-off-road-rapid-response-vehicle/feed/ 0 Why don’t more Americans save money by sharing rides? Clemson University researchers have it figured out https://news.clemson.edu/why-dont-more-americans-save-money-by-sharing-rides-clemson-university-researchers-have-it-figured-out/#new_tab Wed, 25 Jun 2025 14:41:53 +0000 https://clemson.world/engineering-accessibility/ Samaritan Biologics locating at CU-ICAR https://cuicar.com/samaritan-biologics-locating-at-cu-icar/ https://cuicar.com/samaritan-biologics-locating-at-cu-icar/#respond Wed, 13 Nov 2024 15:52:52 +0000 https://cuicar.com/?p=5289

Samaritan Biologics Locating at CU-ICAR

November 13, 2024

Samaritan Biologics Locating at CU-ICAR

November 13, 2024

$5 million investment will create 85 new jobs

Samaritan Biologics, a medical technology company, today announced it is expanding its operations in Greenville County. The company’s $5 million investment will create 85 new jobs.

Founded in 2019, Samaritan Biologics develops, manufactures and distributes human amniotic allograft products for wound care and surgical applications. The company currently operates a research and education facility at the Clemson University Biomedical Engineering Innovation Campus (CUBEInC) in Greenville.

Samaritan Biologics will lease an 11,000-square-foot manufacturing facility located in the new Flex Lab One on the Clemson University International Center for Automotive Research (CU-ICAR) campus at 215 Innovation Drive in Greenville. The facility will include five clean rooms for the processing of human cellular tissue products.

Operations are expected to be online in January 2025. Individuals interested in joining the Samaritan Biologics team should email resumes to info@samaritanbiologics.com.

The Coordinating Council for Economic Development approved job development credits related to the project. The council also awarded a $100,000 Set-Aside grant to Greenville County to assist with the costs of building improvements.

QUOTES

“Samaritan Biologics recognizes that Greenville, S.C. has evolved into a region fueled by research, businesses, and a smart, young and creative workforce that both thrives on, and is a catalyst for innovation. With cutting-edge research and advanced therapies, Samaritan Biologics is not only offering new hope for healing but also fostering economic growth and attracting top talent to the state. With the support of South Carolina and Greenville County, this commitment to entrepreneurship and innovation will bring transformative care to patients and our communities.”
-Samaritan Biologics COO and Managing Partner Jerry Chang

“Samaritan Biologics’ decision to invest $5 million and create 85 new jobs in Greenville County is great news for the Upstate. We are proud to have Samaritan Biologics on the roster of innovative life sciences companies operating in our state and look forward to continuing a successful partnership in the years ahead.”
– Gov. Henry McMaster 

“As a fast-growing industry in our state, the life sciences sector continues to create opportunities for the people of South Carolina. We are grateful Samaritan Biologics selected Greenville County for its manufacturing facility and are excited to witness the impact of this announcement.”
-Secretary of Commerce Harry M. Lightsey III

“Samaritan Biologics’ investment in Greenville County not only brings new jobs and capital investment but also strengthens our life sciences industry. Their cutting-edge work in regenerative medicine will make a difference in the lives of patients worldwide, and we are proud to be part of their success story. Greenville County continues to grow as a center of innovation, and Samaritan’s presence reinforces that momentum.”
-Greenville County Council Chairman Dan Tripp

“With multiple robust healthcare systems, a medical university and a rapidly evolving life sciences hub, Greenville offers Samaritan Biologics a ready-made network of physicians and researchers. Their location at CU-ICAR, a nucleus of innovation and thought leadership, will propel their efforts to develop the next generation of products to treat complex health issues.”
-Greenville Mayor Knox White

“Clemson University is excited to welcome Samaritan Biologics to the CU-ICAR campus community. As a research campus dedicated to supporting technology-based economic development in South Carolina, CU-ICAR is home to 20 companies in addition to a number of university research centers and labs. Samaritan Biologics’ decision to locate on our campus is a testament to the culture of innovation and entrepreneurship here at CU-ICAR and furthers our mission to foster university-industry collaborations and attract new jobs to the region.”
-CU-ICAR Executive Director David Clayton

$5 million investment will create 85 new jobs

Samaritan Biologics, a medical technology company, today announced it is expanding its operations in Greenville County. The company’s $5 million investment will create 85 new jobs.

Founded in 2019, Samaritan Biologics develops, manufactures and distributes human amniotic allograft products for wound care and surgical applications. The company currently operates a research and education facility at the Clemson University Biomedical Engineering Innovation Campus (CUBEInC) in Greenville.

Samaritan Biologics will lease an 11,000-square-foot manufacturing facility located in the new Flex Lab One on the Clemson University International Center for Automotive Research (CU-ICAR) campus at 215 Innovation Drive in Greenville. The facility will include five clean rooms for the processing of human cellular tissue products.

Operations are expected to be online in January 2025. Individuals interested in joining the Samaritan Biologics team should email resumes to info@samaritanbiologics.com.

The Coordinating Council for Economic Development approved job development credits related to the project. The council also awarded a $100,000 Set-Aside grant to Greenville County to assist with the costs of building improvements.

QUOTES

“Samaritan Biologics recognizes that Greenville, S.C. has evolved into a region fueled by research, businesses, and a smart, young and creative workforce that both thrives on, and is a catalyst for innovation. With cutting-edge research and advanced therapies, Samaritan Biologics is not only offering new hope for healing but also fostering economic growth and attracting top talent to the state. With the support of South Carolina and Greenville County, this commitment to entrepreneurship and innovation will bring transformative care to patients and our communities.”
-Samaritan Biologics COO and Managing Partner Jerry Chang

“Samaritan Biologics’ decision to invest $5 million and create 85 new jobs in Greenville County is great news for the Upstate. We are proud to have Samaritan Biologics on the roster of innovative life sciences companies operating in our state and look forward to continuing a successful partnership in the years ahead.”
– Gov. Henry McMaster 

“As a fast-growing industry in our state, the life sciences sector continues to create opportunities for the people of South Carolina. We are grateful Samaritan Biologics selected Greenville County for its manufacturing facility and are excited to witness the impact of this announcement.”
-Secretary of Commerce Harry M. Lightsey III

“Samaritan Biologics’ investment in Greenville County not only brings new jobs and capital investment but also strengthens our life sciences industry. Their cutting-edge work in regenerative medicine will make a difference in the lives of patients worldwide, and we are proud to be part of their success story. Greenville County continues to grow as a center of innovation, and Samaritan’s presence reinforces that momentum.”
-Greenville County Council Chairman Dan Tripp

“With multiple robust healthcare systems, a medical university and a rapidly evolving life sciences hub, Greenville offers Samaritan Biologics a ready-made network of physicians and researchers. Their location at CU-ICAR, a nucleus of innovation and thought leadership, will propel their efforts to develop the next generation of products to treat complex health issues.”
-Greenville Mayor Knox White

“Clemson University is excited to welcome Samaritan Biologics to the CU-ICAR campus community. As a research campus dedicated to supporting technology-based economic development in South Carolina, CU-ICAR is home to 20 companies in addition to a number of university research centers and labs. Samaritan Biologics’ decision to locate on our campus is a testament to the culture of innovation and entrepreneurship here at CU-ICAR and furthers our mission to foster university-industry collaborations and attract new jobs to the region.”
-CU-ICAR Executive Director David Clayton

$5 million investment will create 85 new jobs

Samaritan Biologics, a medical technology company, today announced it is expanding its operations in Greenville County. The company’s $5 million investment will create 85 new jobs.

Founded in 2019, Samaritan Biologics develops, manufactures and distributes human amniotic allograft products for wound care and surgical applications. The company currently operates a research and education facility at the Clemson University Biomedical Engineering Innovation Campus (CUBEInC) in Greenville.

Samaritan Biologics will lease an 11,000-square-foot manufacturing facility located in the new Flex Lab One on the Clemson University International Center for Automotive Research (CU-ICAR) campus at 215 Innovation Drive in Greenville. The facility will include five clean rooms for the processing of human cellular tissue products.

Operations are expected to be online in January 2025. Individuals interested in joining the Samaritan Biologics team should email resumes to info@samaritanbiologics.com.

The Coordinating Council for Economic Development approved job development credits related to the project. The council also awarded a $100,000 Set-Aside grant to Greenville County to assist with the costs of building improvements.

QUOTES

“Samaritan Biologics recognizes that Greenville, S.C. has evolved into a region fueled by research, businesses, and a smart, young and creative workforce that both thrives on, and is a catalyst for innovation. With cutting-edge research and advanced therapies, Samaritan Biologics is not only offering new hope for healing but also fostering economic growth and attracting top talent to the state. With the support of South Carolina and Greenville County, this commitment to entrepreneurship and innovation will bring transformative care to patients and our communities.”
-Samaritan Biologics COO and Managing Partner Jerry Chang

“Samaritan Biologics’ decision to invest $5 million and create 85 new jobs in Greenville County is great news for the Upstate. We are proud to have Samaritan Biologics on the roster of innovative life sciences companies operating in our state and look forward to continuing a successful partnership in the years ahead.”
– Gov. Henry McMaster 

“As a fast-growing industry in our state, the life sciences sector continues to create opportunities for the people of South Carolina. We are grateful Samaritan Biologics selected Greenville County for its manufacturing facility and are excited to witness the impact of this announcement.”
-Secretary of Commerce Harry M. Lightsey III

“Samaritan Biologics’ investment in Greenville County not only brings new jobs and capital investment but also strengthens our life sciences industry. Their cutting-edge work in regenerative medicine will make a difference in the lives of patients worldwide, and we are proud to be part of their success story. Greenville County continues to grow as a center of innovation, and Samaritan’s presence reinforces that momentum.”
-Greenville County Council Chairman Dan Tripp

“With multiple robust healthcare systems, a medical university and a rapidly evolving life sciences hub, Greenville offers Samaritan Biologics a ready-made network of physicians and researchers. Their location at CU-ICAR, a nucleus of innovation and thought leadership, will propel their efforts to develop the next generation of products to treat complex health issues.”
-Greenville Mayor Knox White

“Clemson University is excited to welcome Samaritan Biologics to the CU-ICAR campus community. As a research campus dedicated to supporting technology-based economic development in South Carolina, CU-ICAR is home to 20 companies in addition to a number of university research centers and labs. Samaritan Biologics’ decision to locate on our campus is a testament to the culture of innovation and entrepreneurship here at CU-ICAR and furthers our mission to foster university-industry collaborations and attract new jobs to the region.”
-CU-ICAR Executive Director David Clayton

]]> https://cuicar.com/samaritan-biologics-locating-at-cu-icar/feed/ 0