SAE Tomorrow Today

Latest Episodes:

341. Why the Biggest Challenge for SDVs Isn't the Technology Jul 16, 2026

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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.

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340. Building a Robust Engineering Culture in Our Nation's Capital Jul 09, 2026

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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.

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339. Regulation, Risk, and the Rise of L2++ Jul 02, 2026

Show notes

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.

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338. What Baja SAE Teaches That College Can't Jun 24, 2026

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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.

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337. Additive Manufacturing Certified for Aerospace Jun 18, 2026

Show notes

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.

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336. Coming Soon: The Humanoid Revolution Jun 11, 2026

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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.

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335. The Battery Isn't the Problem - Execution Is Jun 04, 2026

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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.

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334. Turning Streetlights Into EV Chargers May 28, 2026

Show notes

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.

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333. The Brain Behind AI-Powered Vehicles May 21, 2026

Show notes

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.

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332. Can Airports Become Innovation Labs? May 14, 2026

Show notes

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.

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