Hop in. We’re headed back to school – and this is one cool school. Trust your resident gearhead.
For the final episode of Season 4 of “Road Trippin’ with Steve,” powered by SMW Autoblok (IMTS booth #431617), we visited Clemson University’s International Center for Automotive Research (CU-ICAR).
In a season focused on manufacturing partnerships and innovation, there’s no better place to close the journey than a research center where automotive engineering students learn and experiment with some really sick cars.
CU-ICAR exemplifies the spirit of partnership. More than 67% of its research is industry-sponsored, with companies such as JTEKT (IMTS booth #338700), Okuma (IMTS booth #338500), Renishaw (IMTS booth #134314), SMW Autoblok, and BMW collaborating directly with students and faculty.
Research in Action
Factories thrive on precision and productivity, but experimentation requires flexibility and room to explore. CU-ICAR provides that space where new ideas can be tested and refined before moving into real-world production.
Students in Clemson’s automotive engineering program gain valuable hands-on experience while developing and building their own prototype vehicles. The center is a unique combination of factory and lab, where students move beyond designs on a computer screen and see their work take shape in real life. From exploring new materials to enhancing both accessibility and sustainability, these students are building the future right now.
A Car for Every Driver
Our tour included everything from a tank-like military vehicle developed in partnership with the U.S. Department of Defense to a simulated production line where students learn to use state-of-the-art tools.
We even got to check out a dynamometer, or “dyno.” These devices measure the force, torque, and power output of vehicles. At Clemson, the dyno is in a soundproof room with thick foam walls and fiberglass insulation. Students use these technologies to evaluate vehicle noise and vibration and develop improved suspension and exhaust systems.
Students are also experimenting with materials science and additive manufacturing in a separate lab filled with metal additive printers. Shunyu Liu, Ph.D., an assistant professor in the Department of Automotive Engineering, showed us how parts with complex geometries can be printed using metal additive machines and used in vehicle components.
Finally, we checked out the vehicle assembly center, which looks a lot like a small-scale factory. “This is a one-to-one scale production simulation environment,” explains Matthew Krugh, Ph.D., research assistant professor at Clemson University. “We don’t work with Legos or small replicas; we deal with full-size vehicles provided by BMW. This allows students to duplicate the actual assembly process and experiment with new robotics and assistive systems.”
School, but Make it Cool
I’ve seen some pretty awesome research facilities during my manufacturing road trips, but CU-ICAR is way up there. Clemson is the first in the nation to offer a Bachelor of Science in automotive engineering, which complements its leading graduate-level program.
Clemson really is giving the next generation of automotive innovators a solid start. These budding researchers and automotive leaders are ready to fabricate the future of transport. Cue the green flag.
Watch all the Season 4 episodes and check out Seasons 1-3 of “Road Trippin’ with Steve” at IMTS.com/RTWSS4.
To read the rest of the State of Automation Issue of MT Magazine, click here.
