SAE Tomorrow Today

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347

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Aug 2026

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About the show

Hosted by Grayson Brulte, SAE Tomorrow Today is a show about emerging technology and trends in mobility with the leaders, innovators, and strategists who make it all happen. As a trusted partner to mobility engineers for almost 120 years, SAE International provides unique and dynamic perspectives from innovative industry leaders on the challenges of tomorrow.

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60 recent

September 3, 202642 min

348. A Roadmap for Sustainable and Affordable Mobility

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.

August 27, 202642 min

347. When AI is driving, who’s responsible?

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.

August 20, 202626 min

346. Is Megawatt Charging the Missing Link to EV Scalability?

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.

August 13, 202614 min

345. The Power Struggle Shaping Autonomous Trucking

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.

August 6, 202634 min

344. How Aerospace Safety Standards Enable the Future of Flight

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.

July 30, 202637 min

343. SAE JA1016: Scaling the Future of UAVs with Battery Interoperability

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.

July 23, 202638 min

342. SDVs, AI, and the Next Era of Automotive Innovation

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.

July 16, 202635 min

341. Why the Biggest Challenge for SDVs Isn't the Technology

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.

July 9, 202631 min

340. Building a Robust Engineering Culture in Our Nation's Capital

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.

July 2, 202615 min

339. Regulation, Risk, and the Rise of L2++

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.