SAE Tomorrow Today

What does it take to drive an EV across America and back again? A 7,000-mile road trip is a great way to find out. Listen in as we sit down with science-comedian Sophie Shrand, Founder, Cool Jacket Productions and award-winning TV Host of “Science with Sophie”, to discuss The Great American ELECTRIC Road Trip — her exciting journey through 25 states in a Rivian R1S that puts EV infrastructure to the test and leads to unexpected discoveries along the way. From navigating EV charging networks to uncovering surprising economic opportunities, Shrand proves that curiosity and a sense of adventure can create meaningful connections with people from across the country. We’d love to hear from you. Share your comments, questions and ideas for future topics and guests to podcast@sae.org. Don’t forget to take a moment to follow SAE Tomorrow Today—a podcast where we discuss emerging technology and trends in mobility with the leaders, innovators and strategists making it all happen—and give us a review on your preferred podcasting platform. Follow SAE on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, X, and YouTube. Follow host Grayson Brulte on LinkedIn, X, and Instagram.

The future of mobility may not be about building bigger, more feature-packed vehicles.   Listen in as we sit down with Dr. Christopher Borroni-Bird, Founder, Afreecar Consulting, to discuss his vision for rethinking transportation through right-sized EVs, solar-powered mobility, autonomy, and locally tailored solutions. From fleet electrification and last-mile autonomy to new manufacturing models and the changing economics of vehicle ownership, this conversation explores what it takes make mobility more affordable, sustainable, and accessible around the world.  Learn more in Dr. Borroni-Bird's award-winning SAE International book, Sustainable and Affordable Mobility for All, which expands on these ideas and offers a compelling roadmap for the future of transportation.   We’d love to hear from you. Share your comments, questions and ideas for future topics and guests to podcast@sae.org. Don’t forget to take a moment to follow SAE Tomorrow Today—a podcast where we discuss emerging technology and trends in mobility with the leaders, innovators and strategists making it all happen—and give us a review on your preferred podcasting platform. Follow SAE on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, X, and YouTube.Follow host Grayson Brulte on LinkedIn, X, and Instagram.

Listen in as we sit down with Jennifer Dukarski, Emerging Tech, Media, and Intellectual Property Shareholder at Butzel, to unpack the rapidly evolving legal landscape surrounding SDVs and AVs. From AI decision-making and over-the-air updates to data retention, cybersecurity, consumer education, and the growing complexity of liability, we explore how existing legal frameworks are being tested by next-gen mobility. Whether you're developing autonomous technology, managing risk, or shaping industry standards, this conversation offers an insightful look at the legal challenges that will define the future of transportation. We’d love to hear from you. Share your comments, questions and ideas for future topics and guests to podcast@sae.org. Don’t forget to take a moment to follow SAE Tomorrow Today—a podcast where we discuss emerging technology and trends in mobility with the leaders, innovators and strategists making it all happen—and give us a review on your preferred podcasting platform. Follow SAE on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, X, and YouTube. Follow host Grayson Brulte on LinkedIn, X, and Instagram.

As electrification expands beyond passenger vehicles to commercial trucks, mining equipment, marine vessels, and even aircraft, the challenge is no longer whether megawatt charging is possible, it's how to scale it safely and efficiently. Fortunately, industry standards are making that future possible.   Listen in as we sit down with Ted Bohn, Principal Electrical Engineer at Argonne National Laboratory and Chair of the SAE J3271 Committee, to discuss the Megawatt Charging System (MCS) and how collaboration across industries is laying the foundation for high-power charging that works across multiple transportation sectors. This conversation offers a behind-the-scenes look at how standards are developed, tested, and validated, and why scalable charging depends on much more than the connector itself.   Whether you're designing commercial EVs, deploying charging infrastructure, or following the future of heavy-duty Class 8 electrification, this episode provides valuable insight into the technologies and standards that will shape the next generation of mobility.   We’d love to hear from you. Share your comments, questions and ideas for future topics and guests to podcast@sae.org. Don’t forget to take a moment to follow SAE Tomorrow Today—a podcast where we discuss emerging technology and trends in mobility with the leaders, innovators and strategists making it all happen—and give us a review on your preferred podcasting platform.   Follow SAE on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, X, and YouTube. Follow host Grayson Brulte on LinkedIn, X, and Instagram.

With too many cooks in the kitchen, can innovation ever reach the road? In this Unplugged episode of SAE Tomorrow Today, host Grayson Brulte uses the culinary world as a powerful metaphor to explore one of the autonomous trucking industry's most pressing issues: who gets “veto power”? As startups challenge established OEMs and suppliers, questions around control, competition, and liability are shaping the future of commercial autonomy. Are legacy players protecting safety or their market position? And when disruptive newcomers refuse to back down, who ultimately determines the recipe for success? Tune in for a fresh perspective on the power struggles, partnerships, and industry dynamics that could define the next chapter of autonomous trucking. 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 Twitter or send them to podcast@sae.org. Follow SAE on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube. Follow host Grayson Brulte on LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram.

Whether it’s supersonic travel, commercial space, or AI-enabled aircraft, one message remains constant: safety standards are the common language that enable the future of flight.  Listen in as we sit down with Craig McMillan, Model Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) Growth Leader at GE Aerospace, to discuss the intersection of AI, digital engineering, and the growing complexity of modern aircraft. The conversation examines why independent verification, rigorous systems engineering, and collaboration across the aerospace industry remain essential as aircraft become more software-driven and interconnected. We’d love to hear from you. Share your comments, questions and ideas for future topics and guests to podcast@sae.org. Don’t forget to take a moment to follow SAE Tomorrow Today—a podcast where we discuss emerging technology and trends in mobility with the leaders, innovators and strategists making it all happen—and give us a review on your preferred podcasting platform. Follow SAE on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, X, and YouTube. Follow host Grayson Brulte on LinkedIn, X, and Instagram.

From drone delivery to public safety and defense, the next generation of uncrewed aerial vehicles y better batteries, but by better battery standards. Listen in as we sit down with Jeff Yambrick, Chair of the SAE Battery Cell Size Standardization Committee, and Lisa King, Director of Advanced Battery Strategy at Leap Manufacturing, to discuss SAE JA1016 — a new standard designed to simplify battery integration, accelerate commercialization, and strengthen the UAV supply chain. During this conversation, you’ll learn why common battery formats are essential for reducing development costs and creating greater interoperability across commercial and defense applications. We also explore the importance of domestic battery manufacturing, supply chain resilience, and how standardization can accelerate innovation without limiting future battery technologies. To join the SAE Battery Cell Size Standardization Committee, email Dante Rahdar at Dante.Rahdar@sae.org. We’d love to hear from you. Share your comments, questions and ideas for future topics and guests to podcast@sae.org. Don’t forget to take a moment to follow SAE Tomorrow Today—a podcast where we discuss emerging technology and trends in mobility with the leaders, innovators and strategists making it all happen—and give us a review on your preferred podcasting platform. Follow SAE on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, X, and YouTube. Follow host Grayson Brulte on LinkedIn, X, and Instagram.

What does it really mean to build a software-defined vehicle? As AI reshapes the automotive industry, SDVs may become the foundation for the future rather than the destination. Listen in as we sit down with Jeffrey Chou, Founder and CEO of Sonatus, a leading provider of intelligence-driven SDV solutions, to explore why SDVs are best understood as a platform for innovation — one that is scalable, upgradable, and proven at scale. This conversation dives into the evolution of SDVs, from over-the-air updates and AI-powered diagnostics to intelligent infrastructure services that could one day allow vehicles to share computing power, storage, and data with the world around them. You’ll also get insight on how Sonatus scaled its software, the cultural shift required to bring Silicon Valley and automotive engineering together, and why collaboration — not competition — will define the future of mobility. We’d love to hear from you. Share your comments, questions and ideas for future topics and guests to podcast@sae.org. Don’t forget to take a moment to follow SAE Tomorrow Today—a podcast where we discuss emerging technology and trends in mobility with the leaders, innovators and strategists making it all happen—and give us a review on your preferred podcasting platform. Follow SAE on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, X, and YouTube.Follow host Grayson Brulte on LinkedIn, X, and Instagram.

Software-defined vehicles (SDVs) are transforming the automotive industry … but are OEMs focused on the right priorities? With over 35 years of award-winning automotive software expertise, Elektrobit’s comprehensive SDV ecosystem empowers OEMs, Tier 1s, ODMs and Big Tech to build future-ready solutions with speed and confidence — driving faster innovation and seamless integration across the vehicle lifecycle. Listen in as we sit down with Dr. Moritz Neukirchner, Head of Cross-Portfolio Growth and Alliances, to discuss how automotive operating systems are reshaping the future of mobility and why software is becoming the defining factor in vehicle innovation. From over-the-air updates and AI-defined vehicles to open-source software, you’ll learn why many OEMs are rethinking their SDV strategies after years of overambitious goals. This conversation also explores why organizational change, not technical capability, is now the biggest hurdle to building scalable, customer-focused SDVs. If you're interested in automotive OS, AI, SDVs, or the future of vehicle architecture, this episode offers an insider's perspective on where the industry is headed next. We’d love to hear from you. Share your comments, questions and ideas for future topics and guests to podcast@sae.org. Don’t forget to take a moment to follow SAE Tomorrow Today—a podcast where we discuss emerging technology and trends in mobility with the leaders, innovators and strategists making it all happen—and give us a review on your preferred podcasting platform. Follow SAE on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, X, and YouTube.Follow host Grayson Brulte on LinkedIn, X, and Instagram.

How does a strong engineering community help shape the future of mobility? Join us as we sit down with Brent Yacobucci, Acting Director of The John W. Kluge Center at the Library of Congress, and Chair of the SAE Washington DC Section, to discuss the intersection of engineering, technology, and public policy in driving innovation in our nation's capital. From vehicle safety regulations and AI to autonomous vehicles, Brent explains why today's engineers must understand not only emerging technologies but also the policies that influence how they're developed, deployed, and adopted. The conversation also explores how the SAE Washington DC Section brings together industry, government, academia, and students to foster collaboration, innovation, and the next generation of engineering leaders. If you're in the Washington, DC area, join us on September 28 for the SAE Washington DC Section Charity Golf Outing to support student STEM programs and connect with fellow engineering professionals. We’d love to hear from you. Share your comments, questions and ideas for future topics and guests to podcast@sae.org. Don’t forget to take a moment to follow SAE Tomorrow Today—a podcast where we discuss emerging technology and trends in mobility with the leaders, innovators and strategists making it all happen—and give us a review on your preferred podcasting platform. Follow SAE on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, X, and YouTube. Follow host Grayson Brulte on LinkedIn, X, and Instagram.

What exactly is L2+? And what about L2++? As the industry embraces these increasingly common terms, is liability slowing the path to Level 3 automation? In this Unplugged episode of SAE Tomorrow Today, join host Grayson Brulte to explore the automation liability concerns keeping OEMs awake at night and why companies like NVIDIA, Mobileye, Qualcomm, Stellantis, and Mercedes-Benz are using terminology that isn't formally defined. As adoption accelerates and regulation struggles to keep pace, one thing is clear: that extra "plus" may just be the industry's way of navigating a self-driving future that's arriving faster than the rules can keep up. 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 Twitter or send them to podcast@sae.org. Follow SAE on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube. Follow host Grayson Brulte on LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram.

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 curtain on the intense, unpredictable world of Baja SAE competitions and how they prepare students for careers in manufacturing, mobility, and beyond. After hearing this conversation, you’ll understand why more and more companies value Baja experience just as much as a perfect GPA. We’d love to hear from you. Share your comments, questions and ideas for future topics and guests to podcast@sae.org. Don’t forget to take a moment to follow SAE Tomorrow Today—a podcast where we discuss emerging technology and trends in mobility with the leaders, innovators and strategists making it all happen—and give us a review on your preferred podcasting platform. Follow SAE on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, X, and YouTube.Follow host Grayson Brulte on LinkedIn, X, and Instagram.

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 defense aircraft.   From serial production programs with Airbus and Boeing to future applications in aerospace, defense, and space, this conversation dives into the realities of certifying 3D-printed flight hardware, scaling additive manufacturing globally, and why titanium supply chain pressures are pushing the industry toward a new era of production.   We’d love to hear from you. Share your comments, questions and ideas for future topics and guests to podcast@sae.org. Don’t forget to take a moment to follow SAE Tomorrow Today—a podcast where we discuss emerging technology and trends in mobility with the leaders, innovators and strategists making it all happen—and give us a review on your preferred podcasting platform.   Follow SAE on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, X, and YouTube.Follow host Grayson Brulte on LinkedIn, X, and Instagram.

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 future of dexterous robotic hands, you’ll learn why automotive manufacturing expertise matters, and how humanoids could eventually move beyond factories into logistics, healthcare, and even the home. We’d love to hear from you. Share your comments, questions and ideas for future topics and guests to podcast@sae.org. Don’t forget to take a moment to follow SAE Tomorrow Today—a podcast where we discuss emerging technology and trends in mobility with the leaders, innovators and strategists making it all happen—and give us a review on your preferred podcasting platform. Follow SAE on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, X, and YouTube. Follow host Grayson Brulte on LinkedIn, X, and Instagram.

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 EV charging, you’ll discover why the future of electrification isn’t about new materials … it’s about intelligence, scale, and trust. We’d love to hear from you. Share your comments, questions and ideas for future topics and guests to podcast@sae.org. Don’t forget to take a moment to follow SAE Tomorrow Today—a podcast where we discuss emerging technology and trends in mobility with the leaders, innovators and strategists making it all happen—and give us a review on your preferred podcasting platform. Follow SAE on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, X, and YouTube. Follow host Grayson Brulte on LinkedIn, X, and Instagram.

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 choices that fit historic districts, you’ll discover why low-power, on-street Level 2 charging is a critical piece of the broader EV ecosystem. We’d love to hear from you. Share your comments, questions and ideas for future topics and guests to podcast@sae.org. Don’t forget to take a moment to follow SAE Tomorrow Today—a podcast where we discuss emerging technology and trends in mobility with the leaders, innovators and strategists making it all happen—and give us a review on your preferred podcasting platform. Follow SAE on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, X, and YouTube. Follow host Grayson Brulte on LinkedIn, X, and Instagram.

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. If you want to understand where autonomy is really headed (and what the industry might still be underestimating), this is a conversation you won’t want to miss. We’d love to hear from you. Share your comments, questions and ideas for future topics and guests to podcast@sae.org. Don’t forget to take a moment to follow SAE Tomorrow Today—a podcast where we discuss emerging technology and trends in mobility with the leaders, innovators and strategists making it all happen—and give us a review on your preferred podcasting platform. Follow SAE on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, X, and YouTube. Follow host Grayson Brulte on LinkedIn, X, and Instagram.

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 AeroTech® this June. He’ll explore what’s next for aviation innovation, from connected robotics and autonomous workflows to the standards and cross-industry collaboration needed to make it all work safely. To learn more and register, visit sae.org/events/aerotech. We’d love to hear from you. Share your comments, questions and ideas for future topics and guests to podcast@sae.org. Don’t forget to take a moment to follow SAE Tomorrow Today—a podcast where we discuss emerging technology and trends in mobility with the leaders, innovators and strategists making it all happen—and give us a review on your preferred podcasting platform. Follow SAE on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, X, and YouTube.Follow host Grayson Brulte on LinkedIn, X, and Instagram.

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 critical issue for EVs, robotaxis, and self-driving cars. You’ll learn why passengers get sick, why drivers don’t, and how EVs can actually make symptoms worse. As a topic critical to the success of autonomous vehicles, it’s a conversation you don’t want to miss. We’d love to hear from you. Share your comments, questions and ideas for future topics and guests to podcast@sae.org. Don’t forget to take a moment to follow SAE Tomorrow Today—a podcast where we discuss emerging technology and trends in mobility with the leaders, innovators and strategists making it all happen—and give us a review on your preferred podcasting platform. Follow SAE on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, X, and YouTube. Follow host Grayson Brulte on LinkedIn, X, and Instagram.

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 really looks like. We’d love to hear from you. Share your comments, questions and ideas for future topics and guests to podcast@sae.org. Don’t forget to take a moment to follow SAE Tomorrow Today—a podcast where we discuss emerging technology and trends in mobility with the leaders, innovators and strategists making it all happen—and give us a review on your preferred podcasting platform. Follow SAE on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, X, and YouTube.Follow host Grayson Brulte on LinkedIn, X, and Instagram.