Clemson University graduate automotive engineering students have debuted the Deep Orange 16, a semiautonomous disaster response vehicle designed to enhance emergency operations in extreme conditions. Developed with the US Army, the vehicle can deliver supplies and transport the injured, and it features AI navigation and a 350-kilometer off-road range.

"We will be integrating more of our advanced research, mostly algorithms around powertrain control and autonomous vehicle control, and test them more and more," said Robert Prucka, chair of the department of automotive engineering.

Electric vehicle repair costs in Germany are decreasing as mechanics gain experience, but they remain 15% to 20% higher than those for vehicles with internal combustion engines, according to the German Insurance Association. The gap has narrowed from 20% to 25% last year.

Waymo's robotaxis have become a familiar sight in Los Angeles, but the scalability of the technology remains a challenge, says William Riggs, a University of San Francisco professor who specializes in autonomous vehicles. Each Waymo vehicle, equipped with lidar, can cost as much as $300,000, limiting the company's ability to expand. Riggs also notes that while the technology is advanced, human behavior and regulatory issues pose obstacles to broader adoption.

Piasecki Aircraft has introduced an autonomous vertical takeoff and landing UAV with a payload capacity of more than 1,500 pounds. The KARGO II, which incorporates a shaft-driven transmission and larger rotors, is designed for defense and commercial logistics operations in high-risk environments.

Toyota is leveraging its decade-long partnership with Stratasys to accelerate factory-floor innovation by integrating additive manufacturing into operations. This collaboration allows Toyota to transform tools, jigs and fixtures from concept to functional prototypes within a single day, enhancing efficiency and safety.

The Environmental Protection Agency is requiring truck makers to revise software in new and existing diesel trucks. The directive aims to prevent sudden engine shutdowns or drastic power losses when diesel exhaust fluid tanks run dry -- a problem for many in the trucking and agricultural sectors.

Spike Aerospace is advancing the S-512 Diplomat, a Mach 1.6 supersonic business jet, by refining its aerodynamics, cabin design and low-boom technology. The project involves an "enhanced study" to validate compliance with strict noise regulations.

Lufthansa Technik is extending its AeroShark drag-reduction film coating to Airbus A330-200 and -300 variants, aiming for certification next year. The move targets over 1,250 older A330s, potentially offering significant fuel savings and environmental benefits.

The 2025 Grounded G3 EV Campervan is a fully electric motorhome with an estimated range of nearly 286 miles, offering an all-wheel-drive, zero-fossil-fuel alternative to traditional diesel or gasoline RVs. Besides reducing emissions, it can save much as $15,000 on fuel and maintenance over 50,000 miles.

The key to boosting EV performance lies in battery chemistry -- and Integrals Power is leading the way with advanced LMFP and LFP technologies that increase range by up to 20% while cutting costs. Listen in as CEO Behnam Hormozi shares how the company's innovative approach is tackling range anxiety, improving battery safety and making it easier for manufacturers to scale electric mobility.

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