Austin Weber

Traditionally, robots have worked alone inside safety cages or fences. But, more applications on assembly lines today require humans and machines to work in close proximity.

Numerous companies are developing electric pickup trucks. But, Atlis Motor Vehicles Inc. thinks it has a better idea than its competitors. The start-up company is developing an EV pickup that features a 500-mile range and a battery that recharges in less than 15 minutes.

Traditionally, early summer is when the motor sports world shifts into high gear. May is the month when some of the crown jewels on the annual motor racing calendar take place, including the Indianapolis 500 and the Monaco Grand Prix. And during June, speed enthusiasts annually anticipate classic events such as the LeMans 24-hour sports car race and the Isle of Man motorcycle road race.

Bulky batteries are the heart and soul of electric vehicles. But, their weight creates numerous challenges that demand lightweight materials.

Engineers at Clemson University are developing next-generation batteries that charge faster, last longer and can be scaled to fit a variety of vehicle classes. The Clemson Nanomaterials Institute (CNI) is working on the project with Atlis Motor Vehicles Inc.

The first wheeled suitcases appeared 50 years ago. Before 1970, luggage was lugged and shoved through airport terminals around the world. By adding casters, the humble invention transformed travel and eventually led to the carry-on bag trend.

The goal of vehicle-integrated photovoltaics is to enable EVs to recharge without stopping. Unlike traditional EVs that must periodically pull over to recharge batteries during a long road trip, solar cars can keep on going.