SAE Tomorrow Today

What does it really take to engineer under pressure? From mud-soaked vehicles and broken suspensions to team dynamics and split-second decisions, Baja SAE has become a proving ground for the next generation of engineering leaders. 

By challenging engineering students to design, build, and race single-seat off-road vehicles capable of surviving extreme terrain, Baja SAE requires every team to use the same 14 hp Kohler engine — creating an even playing field and putting the focus on innovation, durability, and teamwork.

Listen in as Honda’s Adam Hussemann and TTX Company’s Jason Rounds pull back the curt...

When aircrafts are lighter, they use less fuel and are easier to maintain. That’s why major airline manufacturers are increasingly using titanium and carbon in their construction.

Norsk Titanium is the only high deposition rate additive manufacturing company that is FAA-approved and OEM-qualified for structural titanium parts—and their wire-based manufacturing process reduces material waste by up to 50%.

Listen in as we sit down with Philip Riegler, Product Quality Manager, to explore how additive manufacturing is transforming aerospace production, from lightweight titanium structural components to large-format printed parts for commercial and de...

Are humanoid robots moving from science fiction to reality? The answer is yes, and it may be faster than anyone predicted.

Listen in as we sit down with David Kehr, President of Humanoid Robotics at Schaeffler, to discuss how the company is leveraging decades of expertise to power the next generation of physical AI. From deploying humanoids in manufacturing plants to advancing actuator technology and AI-powered simulation through NVIDIA Omniverse, this conversation dives into the real-world challenges and opportunities shaping the robotic revolution.

Whether it’s scaling humanoids safely or the futu...

Batteries don’t fail because of chemistry. They fail because of execution.

Qnovo provides advanced software to optimize lithium-ion battery health and safety, proving that competitive advantage isn’t just about the battery itself, but how intelligently you manage it. By leveraging sophisticated battery models enhanced with AI and machine learning, the company delivers real-time insights into battery performance and operation.

Listen in as we sit down with Nadim Maluf, Co‑founder and CEO, to discuss how software has become the soul of modern batteries. From extending smartphone battery warranties to enabling faster, safer E...

What if the streetlights in your neighborhood could charge your EV overnight?

Voltpost is making this vision a reality by transforming existing lampposts into modular, upgradeable EV charging stations managed by a mobile app. By partnering with utilities, the company is accelerating EV charging infrastructure deployment by retrofitting what’s already in place.

Listen in as we sit down with James Everley, Director of Business Development, to explore how Voltpost’s streetlight EV charging solutions blend seamlessly into the urban landscape. From pricing that respects overnight charging habits to design choic...

What if the brain of your car wasn’t just smart but continuously learning, scaling, and orchestrating everything from safety to autonomy in real time?

Listen in as we sit down with Anshuman Saxena, Vice President and General Manager of ADAS & Robotics at Qualcomm Technologies, Inc., to explore how the Snapdragon Ride Pilot is reshaping the path to automated driving. From the rise of physical AI to systems that unify sensors, software, and real-time decision-making, we break down what it actually takes to move from fragmented ADAS features to a fully integrated, AI-refined vehicle.

 ...

What if your airport was a living laboratory for innovation?

Listen in as we sit down with Brian Cobb, Chief Innovation Officer at Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International (CVG) Airport, to explore how CVG operates as a “city within a city,” deploying emerging technologies to improve passenger experience, strengthen operational resilience, and reimagine the modern airport.

Discover how CVG is advancing innovation through real-time TSA wait times, robotics testing, and the growing role of AI, autonomy, and cybersecurity.

Get even more insight as Brian takes the stage as keynote speaker at the 25th anniversary of Ae...

Did you know that motion sickness affects 1 in 3 people? As AVs gain traction and drivers become passengers, it may be the biggest barrier to the future of autonomous mobility.

With a focus on addressing the root cause of motion sickness, Motion Sync offers breakthrough solution: a haptic pre-activation system that helps passengers anticipate vehicle movement with a personalized in-cabin experience that could redefine comfort and productivity.

Listen in as we sit down with Dr. Daniel Sousa Schulman, CEO and Founder of Motion Sync, to unpack the science behind motion sickness and why it’s a cr...

What does it really take to scale automated driving from a mapped robotaxi service to personally owned autonomous vehicles?

Recorded live at the WCX 2026 in Detroit, listen in as Chris Gerdes, Field Safety Architect, Waymo, and Hugh Nguyen, Automotive Technology and Mobility, KPMG, explore the technical, regulatory, and infrastructure challenges reshaping mobility as SAE Level 4 automation makes its way to the road.

From safety data and sensor performance in harsh conditions to public trust, city readiness, and the growing divide between robotaxi ecosystems and consumer AVs, it’s a grounded discussion on what scalable autonomy re...

What does it take to move the world’s fourth-largest economy every single day? As one of the most complex transportation systems in the world, California is at the forefront of the next generation in mobility.

Listen in as we sit down with Toks Omishakin, Secretary of the California State Transportation Agency (CalSTA), for a behind-the-scenes look at how California is preparing for global mega-events like the World Cup and the 2028 Olympics; the latest on high-speed rail projects; and how emerging technologies like automation and electrification have leaders rethinking mobility at scale. 

We’d love to he...

As AVs continue to grow in popularity, one question remains top of mind: How do we know autonomous driving systems are genuinely safe?

The Automated Vehicle Safety Consortium (AVSC) is an industry collaboration group focused on improving the safe development and deployment of automated driving systems (ADS). By bringing together automakers, technology companies, suppliers, mobility providers, and government stakeholders, the AVSC develops voluntary best practices and technical guidance that fosters public trust and delivers consistent AV safety standards.

Listen in as we sit down with Darcyne Foldenauer, Executive Director, AVSC, and Er...

Standards aren’t flashy … but they make modern mobility possible by enabling emerging technologies to scale safely.

Listen in as we sit down with SAE International experts Christian Thiele, Senior Director of Global Vehicle Ground Standards, and David Franks, Standards Specialist Engineer for Aerospace, for a wide‑ranging conversation on how SAE standards quietly enable trust, interoperability, and scale across automotive and aerospace.

This discussion spans EV charging, wireless roads, automated driving, advanced air mobility, hydrogen propulsion, and the growing role of artificial intelligence. Go behind the scenes to learn how these st...

What does it take to build a multimodal transportation network that actually works for rural communities, growing regions, and everyone in between? In Kansas, that question is critical as the Kansas City Chiefs plan their stadium move and the 2026 FIFA World Cup comes to town.

Listen in as we sit down with Matt Messina, Chief of Multimodal Transportation at the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT), to explore how Kansas is prioritizing transit solutions for upcoming projects and how community input shapes decisions. It’s an insightful journey into the challenges and opportunities of public transit, ped...

What does it really take to build a clean energy future — and who’s stepping up to lead it?  

Listen in as we sit down with Steven Clarke, Program Director, Climate and Energy, Ceres, to explore how the organization is driving real-world climate solutions for Fortune 500 companies, investors, and policymakers though science-based, data-driven insights.

From tackling water risk and data center cooling to scaling wind off the coast of New England, you’ll learn how Ceres is transforming utilities, accelerating electrification, and reshaping entire industries for a cleaner, more resilient energy s...

When it comes to today’s vehicles, every bit of energy matters. Wasted power can reduce EV driving range, add weight, and increase costs across the supply chain.

That’s where SAE Standard J3311 comes in. Instead of constantly running systems at full power — or each automaker using its own proprietary strategy—SAE J3311 promotes efficient, fine-tuned energy use across the entire vehicle.

Listen in as we sit down with SAE J3311 committee members Donald Gignac, Automotive Solutions Architect, Silicon Mobility; Maria Soledad Elli, Sr. Data Scientist, Torc Robotics; and Simone Palombi, S...

What happens when government, technology, and sustainability collide?

Listen in as we down with Gabe Klein, Co-Founder of Adapt/Impact and CityFi, and former Executive Director of the U.S. Joint Office of Energy and Transportation, for a candid conversation about the future of urban mobility, the evolving role of government, and the impact of AI on our streets.

From smart curb management to electrification, you’ll hear real-world examples of cities embracing innovation, rethinking transportation as a utility, and navigating the economic shifts that come with change. Tune in for an inside loo...

From lifelong hobbies to deep nostalgia, there is no doubt that personal connections with our vehicles are real. But true car lovers know that the future is built on what we’ve learned from the past.

Listen in as we sit down with SAE History of Ground Vehicle Systems Committee members Terry Mueller, George Nicols, and Jeff Singer to explore what makes cars so special. As historical engineering storytellers, these automotive enthusiasts are creating a library within SAE that includes the evolution of vehicle systems and subsystems, making knowledge accessible for enthusiasts, engineers, and educators ali...

Join us as we sit down with Richard Chelminski, Senior Vice President, Head of SDV Platform, at 42dot, an autonomous driving software and mobility platform development startup from Hyundai Motor Group. We discuss how the company is pushing boundaries with its end-to-end autonomous driving system, Atria AI, which is focused on Level 4 autonomy and designed for seamless integration into consumer vehicles — no LIDAR required!

You’ll also learn why camera-first and radar technologies are reshaping the industry, how software is now at the heart of vehicle development, and what the future holds for Transportation as a Service (TaaS...

What’s really holding back software-defined vehicles (SDVs) … and where should automakers shift their focus?
Listen in as we sit down with John Wall, President of QNX, to explore how a trusted, safety-certified foundation frees OEMs to innovate faster, collaborate more effectively, and deliver differentiated vehicles. Drawing on insights from the Under the Hood: SDV Developer Report, they unpack why automakers must shift away from maintaining complex, non-differentiating software and focus instead on application-layer innovation to better define brand identity and customer experience.

You’ll also learn how QNX is expanding into robotics, healthcare, and ind...

Battery development is typically a lengthy and difficult process, but one company is proving that it doesn’t have to be.

Listen in as we sit down with Gavin White, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer, About:Energy, to discover how model-based design and advanced simulation are revolutionizing battery development — cutting timelines by up to 70%. You’ll also learn about the creation of The Voltt database, a game-changing resource for engineers and manufacturers.

From motorsports to satellites to microgrids in developing regions, this conversation is proof that batteries are shaping the future of energ...

What if booking a trip into orbit were as easy as booking a flight on your phone? As the defense and aerospace industries evolve at unprecedented speed, what once felt like science fiction is fast becoming reality.

For a deep dive into the latest innovations reshaping the skies, we welcomed back Todd Tuthill, Managing Partner, Rincon Aerospace, to discuss everything from the rise of reusable rockets to the emocratization of access to low Earth orbit. Listen in as he shares an insider perspective on trends like blended wing aircraft, AI adoption in aerospace, and...

Curious how SAE can open doors in the automotive industry and beyond?

 Listen in as we sit down with Dean Case, Membership Director, SAE SoCal, whose 45-year journey in the automotive industry is packed with stories of racing, engineering, and community building. From joining SAE as a Cal Poly student to shaping the future of motorsports and electric vehicles at Mazda, Ford, and Nissan, learn how SAE International became a springboard to building lifelong connections and uncovering new opportunities.

Whether you’re a student, engineering professional, or automotive enthusiast, this conversation is packed with...

From tariffs to trade policies, today’s automakers must respond to a variety of pressures to remain competitive in a changing manufacturing landscape.

As the voice of international automakers in the United States, Autos Drive America is strengthening the automotive manufacturing by advocating for trade and investment policies that expand jobs and support economic growth in America.

Listen in as we sit down with Jennifer Safavian, President & CEO, to discuss why a strong U.S. auto industry is vital for the nation’s economy and how Autos Drive America is supporting integr...

What if EVs were an asset to the power grid instead of a challenge? From off-peak incentives to powering data centers with parked cars, the future of intelligent EV charging is closer than many of us think.

ChargeScape is paving the way with a unified software platform that gives utilities a single, direct connection to tap into EV load flexibility from some of the world’s largest automakers. Created as a joint venture between BMW, Ford, Honda, and Nissan, the company builds on more than a decade of innovation and delivers powerful value to not onl...

The automotive industry is undergoing a major shift — not just toward AI-powered, software-defined vehicles, but also toward a new culture that challenges traditional ways of working.

Listen in as we sit down with Amol Gulve, Software-Defined Vehicle and AI Expert, for a candid discussion on why the pace of innovation is both exhilarating and challenging for legacy automakers. Amol breaks down the traditional seven-year vehicle development cycle and why it’s incompatible with an AI-driven world, challenging OEMs to rethink everything from architecture and procurement to culture and org structure.

From...

From surprise unveilings to one-of-a-kind experiences, excitement is building for the 2026 Detroit Auto Show. But it’s about more than just horsepower. This year, SAE International is co-sponsoring Media and Industry Days, where OEMs, suppliers, tech leaders, and students come together for vehicle debuts, industry insights, and future-focused conversations.

Listen in as Sam Klemet, Executive Director of the Detroit Auto Dealers Association, to discuss what visitors can expect this year, including new STEM-driven, career-focused activities designed to inspire future engineers. He also highlights the show’s multi-million-dollar philanthropic and economic impact, and how its growing empha...

Back by popular demand, Episode 309 - Unplugged: Why the Race to Build Robotaxis Is On was the most-streamed 2025 episode of SAE Tomorrow Today. Thanks to our audience for listening, sharing, and pushing the conversation forward. We’re just getting started.

Robotaxis are scaling fast, logging millions of autonomous miles each month across the globe. Despite their rapid adoption, the industry is hitting an unexpected bottleneck: there simply aren’t enough vehicles to meet soaring demand.

With EV sales still lagging, the robotaxi boom could become a lifeline for OEMs. In this...

What happens when driving becomes a burden?

In this Unplugged episode of SAE Tomorrow Today, join host Grayson Brulte for a candid conversation sparked by his own realization: he simply doesn’t want to drive anymore. Listen in to discover why more people are finding comfort, calm, and even joy in autonomous driving systems like Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) — and why traditional driving suddenly feels antiquated.

Have your own thoughts on this topic? We’d love to hear from you! Share your comments, questions or ideas for future topics with Grayson on...

There’s no doubt that convenience is the new currency for EV owners. But given the tug-of-war between utilities, data centers, and EV charging infrastructure providers, what does it all mean for consumers and commercial fleets?

Listen in as we sit down with Jason Greenblatt, Senior Practice Consultant at Energetics, to explore the latest data, trends, and opportunities driving EV adoption. Discover how home and workplace charging options can transform consumer habits, what’s really behind public charging prices, and how smart software and load management can revolutionize EV fleet charging while saving money and...

When it comes to battery electric trucks, is real-world data beating consumer expectations? 

According to findings from The International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT), the real-world driving range of heavy duty electric trucks is 10 to 20% better than what is communicated by truck manufacturers. It’s an exciting finding — and one that could propel the decarbonization of freight forward.

To learn more, we sat down with Hussein Basma, Senior Researcher at the ICCT, for an eye-opening look at the electrification of Europe’s heavy-duty trucking sector. From ambitious regulations to rapid advances in battery technolo...

What does it take to race 3,000 kilometers across the unforgiving Australian Outback powered only by the sun?

Listen in as we sit down with Martijn Boonen, Electrical Engineer & Driver, Brunel Solar Team, and Tony Mathew, Global Market Manager, Teijin Aramid, to reveal the secrets behind their record-breaking solar car victory at the 2025 Bridgestone World Solar Challenge.

Discover how cutting-edge engineering, relentless teamwork, and innovative sustainable materials came together to conquer extreme heat, torrential rain, and fierce competition. Hear firsthand how the Brunel Solar Team’s winning mentality led to their eighth glob...

Will the future of combat look like your smartphone? As the nature of warfare changes, new technology is driving smarter, faster decisions on the battlefield.

BAE Systems is accelerating next-gen combat capability through Digital Engineering (DE), a data-driven approach that connects decades of real-world experience with advanced modeling, simulation, and virtual testing environments to design, build, and sustain defense platforms that stay ahead of evolving threats across land, sea, cyber and space.

To learn more, we sat down with Dr. Adarsh Ayyar, Director of Technology, Combat Mission Systems, to explore how BAE Systems i...

From crispy French fries to critical medical supplies, one company is transforming how goods move around the world with autonomous drone delivery technology.

In 2016, Zipline began with life-saving deliveries of blood and medical products in Rwanda and has since evolved into a global network expanding access to healthcare, consumer goods, and food. Operating across four continents and completing a delivery every 60 seconds, Zipline now serves more than 5,000 hospitals, retailers, and restaurants.

Listen in as we sit down with Keenan Wyrobek, Co-Founder and CTO, to explore how Zipline’s pioneering approach to dron...

If you still think hydrogen was the cause of the Hindenburg disaster, allow Danielle McLean, Founder and Executive Director of HYSKY Society, to debunk that myth for you.

What first began as a hydrogen-powered eVTOL startup quickly revealed a bigger challenge for the aerospace engineer: the need for scalable, affordable clean hydrogen. In response, Danielle united engineers, entrepreneurs, and energy experts to form HYSKY Society — a global nonprofit advancing hydrogen aviation through collaboration, education, and advocacy.

Listen in as Danielle busts myths about the Hindenburg disaster, explains why regional airports could be t...

From pinpointing greenhouse gas (GHG) hot spots to modeling decarbonization scenarios, life cycle assessments (LCAs) can be a powerful tool for sustainability. However, a lack of standardized methodologies across the automotive industry makes progress difficult.

That’s where the SAE J3341 Task Force comes in. It’s a cross-industry initiative uniting automakers, government, and academia to establish a more flexible yet transparent framework on carbon footprint reporting methodologies for passenger vehicles through smarter LCAs.

To learn more, we sat down with Laurel Nelson, Chair of the SAE J3341 Task Force and Staff...

The future of urban mobility depends on one thing: accessible EV charging infrastructure. For the 40 million U.S. drivers who park on city streets, the lack of home charging options makes transitioning to an EV nearly impossible. And that’s where it’s electric comes in.

Unlike traditional public EV chargers, it’s electric connects directly to nearby buildings and “juicy corners”, offering a cost-effective, scalable solution that doesn’t rely on expensive utility upgrades. Property owners benefit too — earning passive income while enabling their communities to embrace clean, sustainable transportation.

Listen in as we...

Have you every wished you could call up an experienced auto tech to diagnose your car trouble? One company is doing just that by transforming the DIY auto repair experience.

With nearly 1 million app downloads, Tinker DIY is the only platform that offers live video support with ASE-certified mechanics for auto repairs, rideshare inspections, and used car evaluations. Akin to “telehealth for your car,” Tinker eliminates the need for YouTube guesswork or costly auto shop visits by guiding users through step-by-step auto repairs in real-time. 

Listen in as we sit down with Meg...

With Ford’s BlueCruise logging 58 million miles in 2024 and GM’s Super Cruise generating hundreds of millions in revenue, more and more drivers are embracing Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) to arrive at their destination more relaxed and alert.

In this Unplugged episode of SAE Tomorrow Today, host Grayson Brulte dives into reports from various automakers, Goldman Sachs, and Consumer Reports to show just how widespread ADAS adoption has become. He also explores the surprising benefits of “relaxed driving” and how hands-free driving systems could become as commonplace as cruise control.

Have your...

When it comes to cars, it’s not just what’s under the hood that matters — it’s what’s on the scale.

According to a new book, Critical Mass: The One Thing You Need to Know About Green Cars, a vehicle’s damage to the planet can be boiled down to a simple formula: mass multiplied by distance traveled. EVs tend to be around 700 pounds heavier than comparable combustion vehicles which exacerbates tire pollution and road wear issues, creating significant environmental impact beyond just tailpipe emissions.

Listen in as we sit down with...

What does it take to bring safe, reliable autonomous vehicles to Europe’s roads? From shifting to performance-based regulations for L3 and L4 Systems to the role of human oversight, the European Commission Joint Research Centre is using technology, policy, and collaboration to drive the future of autonomy.

Listen in as we sit down with members Akos Kriston, Officer, Scientific Research for ADAS, and Espedito Rusciano, Programme Manager, Scientific Research for Connected, Automated and Smart Mobility, to discuss the EU’s evolving approach to semi and fully autonomous driving.

You’ll learn how project...