SAE Tomorrow Today

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 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.

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 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 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 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, 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 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, 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 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, 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 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, 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 podcast@sae.org.   Follow SAE on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube. Follow host Grayson Brulte on LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram.

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 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.

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 stabilizing the power grid.   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, Twitter, and YouTube. Follow host Grayson Brulte on LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram.

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 technology and charging infrastructure, you’ll discover how the EU is driving toward decarbonizing freight — and what that means for the rest of the world. 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 International: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SAEInternational/ X: https://x.com/SAEIntl LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sae-international/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/saeintl/   Follow host Grayson Brulte: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/graysonbrulte X: https://x.com/gbrulte Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gbrulte/

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 global win, and how circular fiber tire technology proved that sustainability and high performance can go hand-in-hand. 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.

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 is harnessing AI and autonomous technologies to transform combat and keep soldiers out of harm’s way.   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.

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 drone logistics is saving lives, reducing emissions, and opening new doors for economic opportunity — one autonomous flight at a time.   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.

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 the launchpad for hydrogen-powered planes, and details what it will take for hydrogen to go mainstream by 2045. You’ll also get a sneak peek at FLYING HY, the world’s largest hydrogen aviation event, and learn why “I want my hydrogen” just might be the future slogan of the aviation.   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.

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 Engineer of Sustainability Science at Rivian Automotive. She discusses how the task force is implementing a “disclosure addendum” approach that encourages OEMs to clearly communicate their assumptions and data for more accurate and meaningful carbon reporting.   If you are interested in taking part in the SAE J3341 Task Force, please reach out to Laurel directly at laurelnelson@rivian.com  or 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.

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 sit down with Nathan King, Co-Founder & CEO, and Tiya Gordon, Co-Founder & COO, discuss how it’s electric is solving one of the biggest barriers to urban EV adoption by redefining how cities deploy curbside EV charging.   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 International: Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/SAEInternational/⁠ X: ⁠https://x.com/SAEIntl⁠ LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/sae-international/⁠ Instagram ⁠https://www.instagram.com/saeintl/⁠   Follow host Grayson Brulte: LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/graysonbrulte⁠ X: ⁠https://x.com/gbrulte⁠ Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/gbrulte/

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 Megan Han, Head of Operations, to discuss how Tinker helps connects users with expert guidance to help them diagnose and repair their vehicles on their own.    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 International: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SAEInternational/ X: https://x.com/SAEIntl LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sae-international/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/saeintl/   Follow host Grayson Brulte: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/graysonbrulte X: https://x.com/gbrulte Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gbrulte/

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 own thoughts on this topic? 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 International: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SAEInternational/ X: https://x.com/SAEIntl LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sae-international/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/saeintl/   Follow host Grayson Brulte: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/graysonbrulte X: https://x.com/gbrulte Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gbrulte/

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 authors Nick Molden, founder and CEO of Emissions Analytics, and Felix Leach, Associate Professor of Engineering Science at the University of Oxford, to discuss their idea for a weight-based tax system that future-proofs tax revenue while nudging consumers toward lighter, more sustainable vehicles.   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, Twitter, and YouTube. Follow host Grayson Brulte on LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram.

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 projects like HIDDEN are pushing the boundaries of safety in complex urban environments, how the Open Regulatory Framework could shape the next decade of mobility, and why international collaboration is key to success.   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, Twitter, and YouTube. Follow host Grayson Brulte on LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram.