You might not guess it from his unassuming demeanor, but Doug Salway has built a career that has left a lasting mark on the automotive industry, the CU-ICAR campus and his own family.

After graduating from North Carolina State University with a degree in textile design, Doug began his career designing fabrics for men’s and women’s apparel. Eight years later, in 1996, he relocated to South Carolina to join the automotive division of Milliken & Company, now Sage Automotive Interiors.

As a fabric designer, Doug takes immense pride in the intricate details of his craft. Developing materials for automotive interiors is often a three-year process — one that can easily go unnoticed by the average driver. Yet a few minutes in Doug’s office reveals the artistry and precision woven into every pattern. His meticulous approach has led to collaborations with global automakers, three technological patents and even the opportunity to purchase a vehicle featuring fabric of his own design.

In 2011, Sage Automotive Interiors moved its corporate headquarters to the Clemson University International Center for Automotive Research (CU-ICAR) in Greenville, South Carolina. Fifteen years later, Doug still appreciates the campus’s Class A office space, amenities and community atmosphere. He also enjoys welcoming the company’s global design teams to Greenville for their biennial meetings.

Perhaps the most unexpected benefit of working on the CU-ICAR campus has been his involvement with students in Clemson’s Deep Orange program.

Deep Orange is a framework within the Clemson University Department of Automotive Engineering that immerses graduate students in the role of an OEM or supplier, challenging them to design and build a fully functional prototype vehicle in just 18 months. Along the way, students conduct research, develop customer personas and gain hands-on experience in every facet of vehicle development — including interior design and fabrication. That’s where Doug steps in.

“The students are incredibly strong on the mechanical side,” Doug said, “but they’re often less experienced with the aesthetic elements. We help guide them through colors, fabrics, trims and those types of decisions.”

Doug has contributed to multiple Deep Orange projects, including Deep Orange 10, an autonomous ride-share vehicle developed in partnership with Ford. He worked with students to create a custom seat pattern — one he notes is now being echoed across the industry — and helped develop a specialized flooring material designed to withstand heavy use while providing traction for wheelchair accessibility.

The collaboration is far from one-sided.

“I’m always inspired by how forward-thinking the students are, especially at such a young age,” Doug said. “They move from ideas to cardboard models to fully functioning autonomous vehicles in a short amount of time. It’s amazing to watch.”

Doug’s curiosity and appreciation for detail extend well beyond the workplace. At home, he enjoys spending time with his family and has recently taken up bowling, discovering that beneath its simple exterior lies a game of precision and nuance — much like the intricate work that has shaped his career. Doug welcomes the opportunity to travel, which he does at least biennially when gathering with design colleagues from across the globe. When possible, he also continues to enjoy riding motorcycles, a longtime hobby that has taken him through Maui, Death Valley, the Mojave Desert and along California’s iconic Pacific Coast Highway.

This year marks 30 years with Sage Automotive Interiors and 35 years of marriage to his wife, Ann. But among his proudest milestones is one that began nearly four decades ago. When Doug graduated in 1988, he became the first person in his family to earn a college degree. Today, he and Ann are the proud parents of two college graduates: one who followed her mother’s career path as a teacher, and another who plans to return to school to pursue a career as a dietitian, furthering the family’s shared commitment to education and lifelong learning.

Whether he’s shaping trends within the automotive industry, mentoring the next generation of engineers or encouraging education within his own family, Doug continues to weave together a legacy defined by craftsmanship, curiosity and a commitment to the next generation.

A digital twin uses real-world data to power a virtual counterpart—an idea reshaping modern engineering. For Chinmay and Tanmay Samak, mirrored counterparts is not only the focus of their research at the Clemson University International Center for Automotive Research (CU-ICAR), it’s also their daily experience as twins who are identical in virtually every way.

Natives of Pune, India, Chinmay and Tanmay have always known what they have in common truly makes them unique. “It’s always been fun to have a twin, especially one that resonates with you,” said Chinmay. “Twins generally get compared constantly so they choose a mechanism for growing apart or at least a way to differentiate themselves, but that hasn’t been our experience.”

From favorite foods to hobbies, and even their favorite color, the Samak twins have no answer for the common question of how to differentiate them. “We’ve been together since day one and hope to keep it that way,” said Tanmay with a smile.

At a young age their shared interests included activities like cycling, hiking and tinkering in the field of robotics. What began in 8^th grade as building line-following and obstacle-avoidance robots grew into research publications and consecutive first place finishes in NASA’s space settlement design competition. By the time they reached their undergraduate studies, they found another shared fascination: autonomous ground vehicles—a passion that would eventually bring them across the world to Greenville, South Carolina.

When considering graduate programs, the brothers developed their own unique criteria to complement university rankings and notoriety.

1. A strong academic program in automotive engineering, autonomy, and robotics
2. A direct path into a fully funded PhD program
3. Access to full-scale test vehicles and state-of-the-art equipment
4. An opportunity to work together, in the same lab, under the same advisor

Despite having never visited, they chose Clemson University, and specifically the Automotive Engineering program located at CU-ICAR. Three and a half years later, they are nearing the completion of their PhDs, with both focused on advancing digital twin technology. Working in the Automation, Robotics and Mechatronics (ARM) Lab under Dr. Venkat Krovi, they are helping to close the loop between real-world vehicle behavior and high-precision simulation. Tanmay specializes in translating real-world data into accurate virtual models. Chinmay’s work mirrors this from the opposite direction, ensuring simulation results can be transferred reliably to physical vehicles.

Looking back on their decision, Chinmay shared what he’d tell their 2022 selves: “In a simple statement, what you are dreaming of is about to come true.”

Due to COVID-19, the twins arrived in Greenville knowing Dr. Krovi and CU-ICAR only through digital imagery, articles and virtual interviews. Their real-world experience far exceeded expectations.

Being welcomed with hands-on access to the Open Connected and Automated Vehicle (OpenCAV) during their first weeks on campus, months earlier than expected, made it clear they had found the mentor they hoped for. “Dr. Krovi is the ideal advisor, especially for us,” said Chinmay. “He’s provided the technical and academic direction for areas where he knows we need to learn and also given us the freedom to explore on our own and approach him when we need guidance.”

The positive surprises extended out of the lab as they began to explore the CU-ICAR campus and the surrounding Greenville community. “CU-ICAR has all the right people on campus,” noted Tanmay. “You have students, professors, and industry professionals, and they’re all headed towards the same objectives. No matter who you’re working with, you can’t go wrong.”

Off campus, Greenville quickly became their second home, one they describe as the perfect balance of modern and tranquil. They fell in love with the mild weather, vibrant downtown, access to nature, and as cyclists, the city’s 28-mile greenway known as the Swamp Rabbit Trail.

Within the next year, Chinmay and Tanmay will add “Clemson graduate” to their list of accomplishments. From there, they hope to stay connected to academia while also joining industry through startup ventures. They plan to continue growing their online presence as the Tinker Twins and expand AutoDRIVE, the digital twin ecosystem they created together.

While the exact path ahead is still unfolding, one thing remains certain:
“Whatever it is, most importantly, we’ll do it together.”

What began as a personal decision to be closer to family has led Max Frantz to a career that continues to challenge and inspire him—while also allowing space for what matters most outside of work.

When Max and his wife made the decision to move from Philadelphia, their goal was simple: be closer to family and raise their children in a place with natural beauty and a strong sense of community. Greenville, South Carolina—tucked against the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains—offered just that.

Shortly after relocating, Max accepted a role as a Principal Product Development Engineer with JTEKT North America. The job proved to be a perfect fit. On the new product development team, Max works on the front end of innovation—identifying emerging needs and rapidly building proof-of-concept tests to determine what’s worth pursuing.

Eight years later, that work still excites him. Whether he’s brainstorming new solutions or rolling up his sleeves to build out an early prototype, Max continues to thrive in a role that keeps him engaged and thinking forward.

At home, he finds equal joy in his role as a dad. From family hikes at Paris Mountain State Park to weekends spent at kids’ sporting events, Max is all-in—professionally and personally.

Over time, Max began to feel a pull toward expanding his technical expertise. His interest in automated systems and advanced mechanical design kept growing, and he wanted to understand not just how things work—but why.

With encouragement and financial support from JTEKT, he enrolled in Clemson University’s Master’s program in Mechanical Engineering. The location made it even more feasible—many of his classes were held at the Carroll A. Campbell Graduate Education Center, located on the CU-ICAR campus, just steps from his office.

“It was incredibly convenient to take classes here at CU-ICAR in Greenville,” Max said. “I could be working in my office at JTEKT, simply walk across the street to class, and then return to the office.”

Left: Max enjoying his role of dad at home with his kids.
Right: Max takes part in the classic back to school tradition on his first day of his graduate coursework.

That proximity made a busy schedule more manageable—but it wasn’t the only benefit of the setting. Being based at CU-ICAR made balancing work, school, and family more manageable. The campus’s practical amenities—like nearby dining options, a fitness center, walking trails, and easy parking—helped Max stay focused, energized, and on schedule throughout his busy days.

Though the logistics were in his favor, the commitment was still demanding. Juggling a full-time role and parenting two young kids while completing graduate coursework wasn’t easy—but Max took it on with a focus geared toward growth.

“I didn’t really feel relief when I finished,” he reflected. “While I’m glad to have time to explore other things, I really enjoyed the process of continual learning.”

Since completing his degree, Max has continued to build on what he learned—both in his day-to-day work and through side projects that keep his skills sharp. He’s also taken time to share his perspective with Clemson mechanical engineering students who stop by his office looking for advice or insight into the field.

For Max, learning isn’t limited to the workplace or the classroom—it’s a mindset that carries into all aspects of his life. Whether he’s diving into new engineering challenges, taking on graduate studies, or exploring the outdoors with his family, Max thrives on discovering what’s next. That spirit of curiosity fuels his growth, keeps his work engaging, and helps him create meaningful experiences with the people who matter most.

Gregory Mocko, associate professor of mechanical engineering and a champion of industry-driven education, has been named director of Clemson University’s acclaimed Deep Orange program, effective Aug. 15.

Mocko takes the wheel from Rob Prucka, who will turn more attention toward departmental leadership and the VIPR-GS program. Mocko’s appointment puts a seasoned educator, innovator and industry collaborator at the helm of one of the nation’s most distinctive automotive engineering initiatives.

Deep Orange is a prototype vehicle program that is part of the automotive engineering degree curriculum and based at the Clemson University International Center for Automotive Research (CU-ICAR).

Over two years, graduate students in automotive engineering work with faculty and major industry sponsors to design, build and debut a concept vehicle. BMW, Toyota, General Motors, Honda R&D Americas, Ford, Mazda, ExxonMobil, NVIDIA, and the U.S. Army are among the companies that have backed Deep Orange projects.

As Deep Orange director, Mocko will oversee the program’s strategic vision, guide students through each project’s lifecycle and strengthen faculty and industry partnerships.

Mocko, a Clemson faculty member since 2006, has built his career on connecting students with real-world engineering challenges. He formerly coordinated Clemson’s Mechanical Engineering Capstone Design Program and has overseen ambitious projects such as a nationwide student collaboration to design, build, and fly an unmanned aerial vehicle modeled on Boeing’s Dreamliner assembly approach.

Mocko’s research spans model-based systems engineering, AI in engineering design, and advanced manufacturing, and he has published more than 70 peer-reviewed articles.

Laine Mears, director of the School of Mechanical and Automotive Engineering, said that Mocko is ready to take on the current Deep Orange 17 program and begin defining future Deep Orange projects, noting that his nearly two decades of design research and practical application experience will serve Deep Orange well.

“Dr. Mocko brings a fresh perspective and a rich background in connecting students and industry, using innovative programs as the bridge,” Mears said. “He is highly regarded by his students and his colleagues. With him in the driver’s seat, Deep Orange is well positioned to go farther and faster!”

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.

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.

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).

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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.

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.

Forbes in 2021 as a representative of Ford Motor Company consulting with Clemson University students working on Deep Orange 10.

In 2023, after retiring from Ford, Jamie became a professor of practice within the Clemson University Department of Automotive Engineering. With decades of industry experience, Jamie relishes the opportunity to teach, advise for Deep Orange and mentor the next phase of the engineering workforce. “I came here and got to somewhat reinvent myself,” Jamie shared. “Engineering has given me everything, and I feel a responsibility to give back by teaching the next generation”

A major draw to this new role was the Clemson University International Center for Automotive Research (CU-ICAR) in Greenville, SC, home to the Department of Automotive Engineering and more than 20 industry partners. “It was a very comfortable transition for someone with my background because it feels somewhat like an industry setting. It’s a perfect blend between academia and industry,” he recalled. Jamie also emphasized the uniqueness of the automotive engineering program, noting “Typically, these classes are part of mechanical engineering departments that have been in the same building since the 1920s. That’s not the case here. This is a custom-built organization with facilities that directly mimic the industry.”

As a relatively new resident of Greenville, Jamie and Irene enjoy exploring all the Upstate has to offer, especially outdoor activities. They’ve already hiked popular local trails like Paris Mountain and Table Rock, but their favorite trek is the monthly trip to Maine to visit their grandchildren. With two grandkids, ages 3 and 1, Jamie — also known as ”Papa” — cherishes watching them grow and observing the interactions between his wife, their daughter, and the next generation. It’s that same sense of perspective that makes Jamie such a valuable mentor to his automotive engineering students.

After three decades in the mobility industry, Jamie understands his students will need more than just the technical skills of engineering. From advice on entering the workforce to mastering communication and understanding global policy, Jamie aims to fully prepare his students for their future careers. “The rigors of graduate education can make it difficult to see what’s ahead,” he said, “but I hope to offer my students the perspective and encouragement they need to push the industry forward. I’ve had my career, and now I get the privilege of helping these motivated young engineers along their journey. I remember being in their shoes, and I know the incredible, rewarding future that lies ahead for them.”

Forbes, now in his role with the Department of Automotive Engineering, provoking thoughtful conversations with the cohort of students developing Deep Orange 17.

Clemson University has made history by awarding the nation’s first-ever Bachelor of Science degrees in Automotive Engineering. A brick-laying ceremony held this week at the Clemson University International Center for Automotive Research (CU-ICAR) honored the inaugural graduating class—four students whose names are now permanently engraved in a brick pathway at CU-ICAR, symbolizing their role in paving the way for future automotive engineers.

This milestone comes more than two decades after the Clemson University Board of Trustees approved the creation of an automotive engineering degree program—the first, and still the only, academic program of its kind. Initially established as a graduate-level initiative, the program began enrolling students in 2006 and awarded its first master’s and Ph.D. degrees in 2009. Since then, over 1,110 graduate degrees have been conferred. In 2022, guided by input from leading industry partners, Clemson expanded its program to the undergraduate level, aiming to meet the growing demand for engineers with specialized automotive training.”

“Looking back now, after almost 20 years, I see a vibrant graduate program that has really found its footing and offers a unique learning experience to students from around the world,” said Laine Mears, Director of the School of Mechanical and Automotive Engineering and BMW SmartState Chair of Automotive Manufacturing. “Launching the undergraduate program three years ago was the next step in providing one-of-a-kind experiences to an even broader cohort of students. The Department of Automotive Engineering has built something never before seen, and I could not be prouder to be a part of it.”

The Automotive Engineering program is designed to prepare students for a wide range of careers in the mobility industry. The interdisciplinary curriculum integrates deep technical training with a modern systems-engineering approach, while also incorporating leadership and business acumen critical to thriving in today’s global economy. Students are immersed in practical, hands-on experiences, as well as cutting-edge research in emerging areas such as autonomous vehicles, electrification, and sustainable transportation. The program’s effectiveness is evident: over 96% of graduates are currently employed in the mobility industry.

Anand Gramopadhye, Dean of the College of Engineering, Computing and Applied Sciences, noted that this moment reflects years of vision, partnership, and purpose. “This milestone is a testament to Clemson’s commitment to aligning education with the evolving needs of industry,” said Gramopadhye. “From concept to execution, the undergraduate program in automotive engineering was designed in close collaboration with our industry partners. I’m so proud to see our students stepping directly into impactful roles and advanced study, ready to drive innovation in a sector that shapes the future of mobility.”

Although most of the first undergraduate cohort will graduate at ceremonies later this year or early 2026, these four students accelerated their path by applying previously earned credits and completing required senior-level courses early, becoming the first to finish the undergraduate program:

• Garrison Bishop (Spartanburg, SC) also earned a BS in Mechanical Engineering from Clemson University and has accepted a role at Imperial Die Casting.
• Matthew Flaim (Yorktown Heights, NY) will begin graduate studies in Automotive Engineering at CU-ICAR this fall.
• Trevor Levine (Irmo, SC) served on staff at the Makerspace at CU-ICAR and has accepted a position at Bertrandt US Inc.
• Colin Luongo (Oxford, GA) will begin graduate studies in Automotive Engineering at CU-ICAR this fall.

The brick-laying ceremony not only honored these students’ individual achievements, but also celebrated Clemson’s pioneering role in shaping the next generation of automotive leaders. As the field continues to evolve, Clemson remains at the forefront of innovation, education, and industry collaboration.

Key Milestones in Clemson’s Automotive Engineering Program:

• 2002: BMW, Timken and Michelin endow professorships to help establish Automotive Engineering program
• 2002: Graduate program approved by Board of Trustees
• 2006: First students enrolled in Automotive Engineering program
• 2007: Clemson University International Center for Automotive Research established
• 2009: First master’s & Ph.D. degrees awarded
• 2010: Department of Automotive Engineering formed
• 2010: Deep Orange education program established
• 2022: Undergraduate program approved by Board of Trustees
• 2023: Bachelor of Science in Automotive Engineering launched with 35 students
• 2025: First Bachelor of Science in Automotive Engineering degrees awarded

For more information about Clemson’s automotive engineering programs, visit clemson.edu/automotive-engineering.

Applied Research Associates, Inc. (ARA) and Clemson University have announced a partnership to enhance the diesel electric drivetrain of ARA’s autonomous robot. The collaboration brings together industry and academia to deliver the robotic platform to the United States Army Combat Capabilities Development Command (DEVCOM) Ground Vehicle Systems Center (GVSC).

“GVSC has been a longtime robotics partner of ARA, and this platform is a critical development in autonomous innovation,” said ARA Vice President Matt Fordham. “This partnership between industry, academia, and government is a testament to our collective commitment to growing the technology sector in and around Greenville, S.C. We are excited to leverage the expertise at the Clemson University International Center for Automotive Research (CU-ICAR) to deliver an advanced system that meets the dynamic needs of the Army.”

The research of the Virtual Prototyping of Autonomy-Enabled Ground Systems (VIPR-GS) Research Center at CU-ICAR will extend the shared research expertise with ARA and GVSC to leverage the university’s unique lab capabilities. “This partnership exemplifies the culture of innovation and collaboration at CU-ICAR. Expanding our relationship with ARA and the U.S. Army further enables us to produce meaningful research on our campus and advance the economic development mission of the university in our region,” said David Clayton, Executive Director of CU-ICAR.

“Our collaboration with ARA and the U.S. Army not only allows for an incredible real-world learning environment, but these partnerships also keep our research grounded in what matters in the industry,” said Rob Prucka, Director of VIPR-GS Research Center. “Our students and faculty are gaining invaluable industry experience while developing autonomous technologies that actively protect civilians and military personnel.”

Applied Research Associates, Inc. (ARA) was founded in 1979, in Albuquerque, New Mexico, to offer science and engineering research to solve problems of national importance. ARA delivers leading-edge products and innovative solutions for national defense, energy, homeland security, aerospace, healthcare, transportation, and manufacturing. With over 2,000 employee-owners at locations in the U.S. and Canada, ARA offers a broad range of technical expertise in defense technologies, civil engineering, computer software and simulation, systems analysis, biomedical engineering, environmental technologies, and blast testing and measurement.

Clemson University International Center for Automotive Research (CU-ICAR) is a 250-acre advanced-technology research campus where university, industry and government organizations collaborate. The university offers master’s and Ph.D. programs in automotive engineering at CU-ICAR and is conducting leading-edge applied research in critical areas, such as advanced product-development strategies, sustainable mobility, intelligent manufacturing systems and advanced materials. CU-ICAR has industrial-scale laboratories and testing equipment in world-class facilities.

The Virtual Prototyping of Autonomy-Enabled Ground Systems (VIPR-GS) Research Center at Clemson University is a premier research initiative focused on advancing digital engineering, autonomy, propulsion systems, and virtual prototyping for next-generation military ground vehicles. In collaboration with the U.S. Army DEVCOM Ground Vehicle Systems Center (GVSC) and industry partners, VIPR-GS is driving innovation in autonomy-enabled ground systems to support the Army’s modernization priorities. VIPR-GS works closely with a diverse network of stakeholders, these partnerships facilitate the transition of cutting-edge research into field-ready solutions and accelerate the development of military and commercial vehicle technologies. VIPR-GS is committed to shaping the future of autonomy-enabled ground systems by combining cutting-edge research, digital innovation, and strong collaborations. Its ongoing efforts contribute to the Army’s Next-Generation Combat Vehicle (NGCV) program and ensure that U.S. military ground systems remain at the forefront of technological advancement.

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. OPSEC9443.

In February nearly 300 interdisciplinary researchers, industry leaders and government officials converged on Clemson, SC for three days of research discussions and demonstrations on the future of mobility.

The gathering was part of the annual review of the VIPR-GS Research Center, a partnership between Clemson University and the US Army DEVCOM Ground Vehicle Systems Center (GVSC) aimed at developing innovative digital engineering tools for rapid exploration and design of the next generation of on- and off-road vehicles. VIPR-GS, an acronym for Virtual Prototyping of Autonomy-Enabled Ground Systems, consists of 80 Clemson faculty from across 13 departments and more than 130 student researchers. Together, they are working on 43 active translational research projects in labs throughout South Carolina.

“Our partnership with the US Army and industry leaders helps ensure that our research is grounded in real-world application. The ability to take our foundational research and transition it into something that moves the industry forward is really meaningful.”

– Dr. Rob Prucka,
Director, VIPR-GS Research Center
Director, Deep Orange Vehicle Prototyping Program
Alan Kulwicki Professor of Motorsports Engineering

After a tour of the VIPR-GS Research Center facilities at the Clemson University International Center for Automotive Research (CU-ICAR) in Greenville, SC, the events moved to the Madren Conference Center in Clemson, SC for two days of demonstrations and presentations. In addition to sessions featuring faculty and industry professionals, student researchers had the opportunity to highlight their work during a poster display exhibition. Each presentation was aligned with ongoing research based on the key components of the VIPR-GS Research Center: autonomy, power systems, and digital engineering. In recent years some research has been tested and displayed through vehicles produced by the Deep Orange program, an accelerated and immersive vehicle concept development framework within the Department of Automotive Engineering. In partnership with GVSC and the VIPR-GS Research Center, Clemson students produced two high-speed autonomous vehicles designed for off-road, non-combat missions. These prototype vehicles will continue to serve as platforms for real-world validation of joint research projects.

Now in its sixth year, the VIPR-GS Research Center produces an impact far beyond any single project by compressing design and development timelines producing tools for smarter, faster and more cost-effective autonomous vehicles. Two critical themes of this process and the future of the VIPR-GS Research Center are digital engineering and Human Machine Integrated Formations (HMIF), the optimization and integration of technology and human capabilities. Dr. Philip Frederick, Deputy Chief Scientist for the US Army Ground Vehicle Systems Center, emphasized each discipline and the value of the VIPR-GS Research Center during his keynote address.

“As demonstrated through the recent Deep Orange projects, VIPR-GS is ideally positioned to utilize the knowledge of faculty and students, along with digital engineering and industry relationships, to not only create valuable research for today, but that continually builds for a lasting impact.”

– Dr. Philip Frederick, Deputy Chief Scientist for the US Army Ground Vehicle Systems

A common theme in the presentations was the importance of people and relationships. In addition to the touted Clemson faculty and students, GVSC and the VIPR-GS Research Center maintain strong partnerships with universities and industry leaders across South Carolina and the nation. Dr. Frederick stressed that while the research has valuable real-world applications, “it’s always the people who ultimately develop and use the technologies.” To illustrate this value, Dr. Prucka told the story of Drew Girshovich, a graduate of the Department of Automotive Engineering and Deep Orange 15 team member, who, after graduation began working for an industry partner in Greenville, SC, where he is continues to collaborate with VIPR-GS and GVSC on ongoing projects.

“The mission of the VIPR-GS Research Center is to help the US Army produce research and resources to develop better vehicles, but perhaps our most meaningful product is our students and future industry leaders. Ultimately the industry is run by people, and I couldn’t be prouder of the role Clemson plays in developing the future workforce and pushing the industry forward.”

– Dr. Rob Prucka,
Director, VIPR-GS Research Center
Director, Deep Orange Vehicle Prototyping Program
Alan Kulwicki Professor of Motorsports Engineering

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. OPSEC9574.