The US Army’s Combat Capabilities Development Command (DEVCOM) has unveiled its futuristic “Deep Orange 15” ground rescue vehicle with semi-autonomous features.
Built by students from Clemson University in South Carolina, the optionally-manned platform is equipped with a high-voltage battery, a semi-active suspension, and a hybrid powertrain.
It also has rotating passenger seats to accommodate casualties and an innovative litter-loading mechanism.
According to the developers, the Deep Orange 15 is capable of performing self-drive, allowing the human driver to focus on assisting injured personnel inside during a rescue mission.
Alternatively, the driver can stay at the scene to help other casualties while the platform autonomously transports the severely injured.
Deep Orange Program
The Deep Orange 15 is the latest and most advanced vehicle created under the Deep Orange program of Clemson University’s Department of Automotive Engineering.
It incorporates artificial intelligence for improved overall autonomous performance.
Clemson masters students took 18 months to conceptualize and prototype the rescue vehicle tailored to the needs of the US Army.
In August 2023, the service also collaborated with the university to develop the “Deep Orange 14” all-terrain urban reconnaissance vehicle.
“Deep Orange’s product is not only the vehicle but also the student. It has been an honor to take part in Deep Orange 15,” engineering project manager Aniruddha Joshi said.
“The hands-on engineering experience is beyond anything we would have received from the classroom alone. We look forward to sharing what we have created.”
