CLEMSON, S.C. (FOX Carolina) – Clemson University has unveiled a semi-autonomous vehicle designed to transform emergency response in extreme conditions.
University officials said that Deep Orange 16 is engineered to reduce response time and limit the number of personnel needed in the field.
Developed by a team of 17 graduate automotive engineering students, officials said the vehicle was inspired by the challenges faced during Hurricane Helene.
“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.”
Sponsored by the Virtual Prototyping of Autonomy-Enabled Ground Systems (VIPR-GS) Research Center and developed in collaboration with the U.S. Army and others, the vehicle can deliver a full pallet of emergency supplies and autonomously transport up to six people to safety, officials said.
The university said that Deep Orange 16 is equipped with a 350-kilometer range and off-road capabilities, a 360-degree camera system for situational awareness, AI-powered heads-up display alerts for hazards up to 100 feet away and an interior that can fit six people, including a rotating seat.
“The Deep Orange program demonstrates what’s possible when academia, government, and industry come together to solve real-world problems,” said Ph.D., Kulwicki Endowed Professor and Chair of the Department of Automotive Engineering, Robert Prucka. “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.”
To learn more, visit the Clemson University website.
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