SAE Tomorrow Today

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 standards are developed, the importance of industry consensus, and why they often exceed regulatory safety requirements. Are you interested in shaping the standards behind next-gen mobility technology? Get involved at sae.org/standards/development. We’d love to hear from you. Share your comments, questions and ideas for future topics and guests to [email protected]. 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 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, pedestrian infrastructure, and the future of mobility. We’d love to hear from you. Share your comments, questions and ideas for future topics and guests to [email protected]. 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 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 system. This conversation is proof that sustainability isn’t just about responsibility, it’s about opportunity. We’d love to hear from you. Share your comments, questions and ideas for future topics and guests to [email protected]. 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 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, Senior Systems Engineer, General Motors, to discuss how creating a common, industry-wide approach to smarter power management can unlock longer range, lighter vehicles, lower costs, and faster innovation across EVs and internal combustion engines alike. We’d love to hear from you. Share your comments, questions and ideas for future topics and guests to [email protected]. 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 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 look at how smarter infrastructure can create more connected, efficient, and greener cities. We’d love to hear from you. Share your comments, questions and ideas for future topics and guests to [email protected]. 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 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 alike. If you’re an industry professional, retired engineer, or automotive enthusiast with experience in the automotive or aerospace sectors, learn how you can join and help us preserve history. We’d love to hear from you. Share your comments, questions and ideas for future topics and guests to [email protected]. 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.

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). If you’re curious about the next wave of smart, software-defined vehicles and autonomous driving innovation, this episode is a must-listen. We’d love to hear from you. Share your comments, questions and ideas for future topics and guests to [email protected]. 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’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 industrial automation with its secure, high-performance operating system. Whether you’re fascinated by autonomous cars, collaborative robots, or the future of AI in physical systems, this episode is packed with insights on innovation, safety, and the power of partnerships. We’d love to hear from you. Share your comments, questions and ideas for future topics and guests to [email protected]. 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.

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 energy, technology, and society. We’d love to hear from you. Share your comments, questions and ideas for future topics and guests to [email protected]. 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 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 the coming wave of drone delivery and eVTOLs. It’s an episode 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 [email protected]. 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.

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 inspiration, practical advice, and proof that SAE provides a firm foundation for meaningful relationships that last. We’d love to hear from you. Share your comments, questions and ideas for future topics and guests to [email protected]. 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 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 integrated supply chains that keep American manufacturing competitive on the global stage. We’d love to hear from you. Share your comments, questions and ideas for future topics and guests to [email protected]. 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, Twitter, and YouTube. Follow host Grayson Brulte on LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram.

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 only to utilities, but to OEMs and drivers alike. Listen in as we sit down with Joseph Vellone, CEO, to discuss how ChargeScape is helping utilities, automakers, and EV drivers tap into real-time vehicle data, optimize home charging, and even turn EV batteries into revenue-generating grid assets. We’d love to hear from you. Share your comments, questions and ideas for future topics and guests to [email protected]. 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, Twitter, and YouTube. Follow host Grayson Brulte on LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram.

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 the future of AI in vehicles to the cultural shifts inside OEMs, you’ll get an inside look at the questions defining the next decade of mobility — and why trust, transparency, and smarter standards will shape the road ahead. We’d love to hear from you. Share your comments, questions and ideas for future topics and guests to [email protected]. 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, Twitter, and YouTube. Follow host Grayson Brulte on LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram.

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 emphasis on education, talent development, and innovation continues to reflect the true spirit of the Motor City. We’d love to hear from you. Share your comments, questions and ideas for future topics and guests to [email protected]. 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, Twitter, and YouTube. Follow host Grayson Brulte on LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram.

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 Unplugged episode of SAE Tomorrow Today, host Grayson Brulte explains why the future of mobility may depend on who can build robotaxis the fastest. 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 [email protected]. Follow SAE on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube. Follow host Grayson Brulte on LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram.