students at clemson university make uBOX concept utility vehicle for year 2020

students at clemson university make uBOX concept utility vehicle for year 2020
all images courtesy of toyota

designed, engineered and hand-built by graduate students at clemson university’s international center for automotive research, the vehicle concept is the result of a two-year collaboration with toyota designers and engineers. the result is an innovative, flexible concept called ‘uBOX’ that is intended to appeal to the next generation of car buyers. 

toyota ‘uBOX’ concept

one feature that catches attention is a unique pultrusion technique developed by the students that allows composite carbon fiber rails bonded with aluminum to support a curved glass roof. ‘the roof pultrusion was something unexpected and very interesting when they first started talking about the concept,’ explains toyota executive program manager craig payne. ‘the fact that they were able to achieve an industry-first manufacturing technique as students speaks volumes for this program.’

a bold, distinctive exterior design embodies a muscular stance that looks like it’s sprung forward in motion, even when standing still. a versatile interior can be rearranged for various activities, from working or operating a business to hauling bulky cargo. a low floor allows for reconfigurable, removable seats on sliding track that can be nested together.

various 110 volt sockets located throughout the interior and exterior

vents, dashboard display bezels and door trim can be completely personalized and made with 3D printing technology, where an online community for owners can share their design ideas. a compact, dual-purpose, all-electric powertrain provides a fun driving experience and emission-free stationary energy to power consumer electronics, power tools or other devices through various 110 volt sockets located throughout the interior and exterior.

the interior cabin 

panels inside can be transformed for specific purposes 

seats can be nested together to fit larger objects