Our Connected World | TE Connectivity

In this episode of Our Connected World by TE Connectivity, Michelle Dawn Mooney speaks with two TE Connectivity experts in eVTOL architectures and aerospace technologies: Martin Cullen, Senior Manager for Business Development and Matt McAlonis, Engineering Fellow, Aerospace. Their insights are grounded in years of experience and participation in key industry events like the 2024 Vertical Flight Society show. During this conversation, they discuss the advancements, challenges, and future outlook of Electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL) technologies. They also cover the importance of battery technology for eVTOLs, the operational and maintenance requirements for these aircraft, and the need for regulatory and infrastructure standardization to facilitate global adoption. Key Takeaways: • The prime source of innovation in eVTOLs lies in battery technology, including cell chemistry and packaging. • Addressing eVTOL's operational and maintenance needs is crucial, particularly in terms of infrastructure and serviceability at remote locations. • The need for standardized regulations and infrastructure, especially for charging systems, to ensure the global adoption of eVTOL technologies.

In this episode of "Connected World" podcast, hosted by Michelle Dawn Mooney and brought to you by TE Connectivity, the discussion centers on the rapid shift in automotive technology towards software-defined vehicles (SDVs). This evolution is marked by a change in consumer preferences, moving away from traditional metrics like horsepower and acceleration to prioritizing comfort, connectivity, safety, and sustainability. Rudi Ostermann, VP and CTO for Global Automotive at TE Connectivity, sheds light on how these changes are influencing vehicle design and the automotive industry overall, particularly in response to recent trends observed at the Shanghai Motor Show. Main Points of Conversation: 1. The shift in consumer behavior towards valuing software-defined features like connectivity, safety, and upgradability over traditional vehicle performance metrics. 2. The transition from subsystem-based vehicle design to a more integrated, software-centric approach, which is reshaping vehicle architecture and component requirements. 3. Challenges and opportunities in the design and production of SDVs, focusing on reliability, efficiency, sustainability, and the need for advanced electronics and circuitry. Guest Bio: Rudi Ostermann has dedicated his career to the automotive industry, working with major OEMs for several decades, including the last nine years at TE Connectivity. His insights are grounded in a deep understanding of the industry's evolution and emerging trends.

The world of aerospace is abuzz with the electrification of aircraft, specifically focusing on eVTOL (electric vertical takeoff and landing) technology. As urban areas become increasingly congested and the global population seeks sustainable and efficient travel options, the stakes are high in the race to commercialize eVTOLs. According to industry insiders, eVTOL technology could revolutionize urban mobility, dramatically reducing commute times and the environmental footprint compared to traditional transportation methods. But what is propelling this burgeoning sector, and how will these flying vehicles integrate into our daily lives? This episode dives deep into these questions, exploring the engineering challenges in designing eVTOL systems and the differences from other types electric-powered vehicles and traditional aircraft. Join us on "Our Connected World," hosted by Michelle Dawn Mooney, for a discussion with aerospace experts from TE Connectivity (TE), Matt McAlonis, a TE engineering fellow, and Martin Cullen, a senior leader in TE’s aerospace business development. This episode takes a comprehensive look at the evolution of eVTOL technologies, including the challenges to implementing them and the immense opportunities this presents. Key discussion points include: • The adaptation of electric vehicle technology in eVTOLs, for optimizing existing architectures for flight, emphasizing the higher safety and redundancy requirements. • The distinctions between eVTOL systems and traditional aircraft, highlighting issues like weight efficiency, high-power management, and the need for new infrastructure for charging and navigation. • The variety of eVTOL designs emerging, reflecting the industry’s exploratory phase, with companies aiming to carve out their niche in urban air mobility through various technical and business model innovations.

Hosted by Michelle Dawn Mooney, this episode of "Our Connected World" delves into the challenges and opportunities in technological innovation. Guests Shad Kroeger from TE Connectivity, Alexandra Spitler, and Dr. Dave Norris from Louisiana Tech University discuss the findings of the TE Connectivity Industrial Technology Index. Kroeger explains that the survey aimed to understand the innovation challenges faced by companies and propose solutions. The survey revealed a divergence in how executives and engineers define innovation - executives perceive it as a complete transformation, while engineers view it as iterative improvements. Spitler and Dr. Norris provide insights into these differing perspectives, with Norris elaborating on various types of innovation. They also discuss the survey's finding of a perceived gap in engineering skills and difficulties in collaboration as significant threats to meeting innovation goals. The guests suggest improvements in university education to better prepare future innovators. The episode further explores different motivations for innovation among executives and engineers. Spitler shares her personal motivation, contrasting it with the survey's findings. Kroeger, transitioning from an engineer to an executive, talks about the challenge of balancing the drive to innovate with business responsibilities. The episode concludes with a discussion on bridging the divide between engineers and executives. Spitler and Kroeger shed light on the challenges faced by each group, while Norris suggests ways to foster better alignment. Tune in to this enlightening episode for a deep dive into the complex dynamics of innovation in the tech space. Main Points of Conversation: 1. The TE Connectivity Industrial Technology Index survey and its purpose of understanding the challenges and opportunities in technological innovation. 2. Differences in perspectives on innovation between executives and engineers, with a focus on understanding these perspectives and bridging the gap. 3. The need for improvements in university education to better equip the future generation of innovators, addressing the perceived skill gap in engineering and challenges in collaboration. Guest Bio: Shad Kroeger is the President of the Industrial Solutions segment at TE Connectivity, a leading technology company. With a rich background in engineering, Kroeger's insight offers a unique blend of technical expertise and leadership acumen. Alexandra Spitler serves as the Director of Entrepreneurial Engineering for TE’s Transportation Solutions segment, bringing with her an innovative perspective on technology and entrepreneurship. Dr. Dave Norris is the Chief Innovation Officer at Louisiana Tech University. As a trained economist leading the innovation enterprise at a research university, Dr. Norris provides an invaluable perspective on the intersection of economics, academia, and innovation.

Commercial transportation is seeing a wave of electrification as more and more of these vehicles shift from combustion to electric. This transition has been happening gradually in the industry, and in addition to the environmental factor, gas prices have also played a major role in its expansion. As this growth continues to rise, so many components are contributing to this shift. What types of changes are leading the shift toward electrification and what can consumers expect to see? On Our Connected World, host Michelle Dawn Mooney interviewed Gregory Fehribach, VP of Engineering, Transportation Solutions at TE Connectivity, about the rising shift to electrification and how technology is helping shape and lead change. On this episode Michelle and Greg further discussed … 1. Developing passenger car and commercial space 2. The types of performance and design considerations engineers look to when it comes to determining the electrification of a vehicle 3. The engineering advances and technology contributing to the electrification becoming a popular option “The technology in the space is really developing at an incredibly rapid pace and it's able to grow from what is already been learned in the electrification of the passenger space as well. So, everything we've done for fuel efficiency on heavy-duty trucks also plays into this. The real enablers for technology is focused on efficiency and thermal management. From charging the batteries, to delivering that power to the wheel — efficiency really is key to all of this,” said Fehribach. Gregory Fehribach is the Vice President of Engineering at TE Connectivity. He has been with the company for five years and has been in his executive role for almost two years now. Prior to that he was the company’s Senior Director Adjacency Products. Fehribach is also an alumnus of the University of Louisville and Indiana University.

With a wider consciousness of climate change, the world is becoming increasingly electrified. From passenger vehicles to home cooling and heating, the Electrification of Everything is driving enormous demand for clean, reliable electricity. To deliver on the promise of worldwide electrification, electricity grids will require significant changes. What upgrades does the grid need in order to be prepared for electrification? And what are the challenges and solutions? On the latest Our Connected World podcast, host Michelle Dawn Mooney chatted with Dr. Christoph Lederle, Senior Director of Global Product Management of Energy at TE Connectivity, about the electrification of everything, growing demand for renewable energy sources, and measures to fortify the grid in view of these advances. Mooney and Lederle talk about… 1. The challenges with upgrading existing electric grids 2. How the growth rate of electrical usage will impact electrification 3. TE Connectivity's role in providing assistance and why efficient training takes precedence in that “TE is helping the grid owners because we are in the full process. We consult, we design, we build, and we also train installers. So, we are early in the game, and we consult the grid owners, what is the right product for the application to achieve the performance. But also meeting the safety aspects, designing using the right material, using the correct design for the application, as well as building in our global footprint and our global factories; and one aspect, which is key from our perspective, is the training. So, enabling the installers of the owner to do a proper job, and as we said good installer personnel is very difficult to get currently in the market and in the installation is key for sustainable and long-term performance of the product,” said Lederle. Dr. Lederle has been with TE for more than 15 years. He holds a Ph.D. in high voltage engineering from the Technical University of Munich.

Complex compositions of materials are all around us, enabling big improvements in advanced technologies. These materials typically possess superior properties to optimize the performance and production of a wide range of applications. In this episode of Our Connected World, host Michelle Dawn Mooney interviewed Phil Gilchrist, Vice President and Chief Technology Officer for Communications Solutions at TE Connectivity. During this conversation, they discussed three topics: 1. Advanced materials and the increased expectation of mass customization 2. Alternative materials for design 3. Testing and validation of new materials “The world is embracing advanced materials to leave the world way better than we met them,” explained Phil. Today’s biomaterials can be either natural or synthetic and composed of numerous substances, including metals, ceramics, and polymers. Some examples of biomaterials include titanium and stainless steel, which are commonly used in joint replacements. Another is polyethylene, which is used in artificial heart valves. The creation of new materials is helping to address the increased expectation for mass customization and rapid on-demand production, Gilchrist explained. This is true in the field of biomaterials, where new materials can be designed with specific properties, such as biocompatibility, that make them well suited for a wide range of medical applications. These new materials can be produced quickly and at a lower cost than traditional materials, making them more accessible to a wider range of customers.

Fossil fuels and the internal combustion engine have powered the global economy for more than a century, but the future will be electrified. As the world adopts ambitious goals to combat climate change and reduce carbon emissions, engineers are racing to commercialize electric alternatives to the vehicles and machinery that we use every day. In the latest episode of Our Connected World, TE Connectivity’s Vice President and Chief Technology Officer of Industrial Solutions Davy Brown talks about the acceleration of the energy revolution and how TE is contributing to the transition by co-creating with customers. Our world is becoming increasingly electrified. From electric vehicles to industrial equipment and the next generation of flight, the use cases of electrification are only growing and could fundamentally change our way of life over the coming decade. Listen to this big-picture conversation covering a variety of topics such as range anxiety, infrastructure upgrades, the skills needed for an electrified future and more. To learn more about electrification and the shift in our energy ecosystem, visit TE.com: https://bit.ly/3UwopxH

Headlines about electric vehicles are littering the news. This week highlighted EVs capable of off-roading, changes in California law, and President Biden’s approval of $900M funding for charging (Reuters). “Much of the driving force behind this transformation from internal combustion engine to battery electric vehicle has been environmental sustainability,” said Qiong Sun, Vice President of Automotive E-mobility at TE Connectivity. According to CNBC, a range of studies suggest that if all vehicles were electric, it would reduce greenhouse gas emissions by sixteen percent. Despite the popularity in headlines, the general public has been slow to adopt EVs. Streamlining and increasing production as well as increasing battery range, affordability, and infrastructure are key to reaching widescale adoption. “Today, many of the innovations are focusing on scaled production and cost reduction to converge with the cost of the traditional internal combustion engine vehicle,” said Qiong. EV architecture has a massively reduced number of parts. Fewer parts mean easier maintenance because fewer things can go wrong and access to replacements is quicker if they do. “The battery is the heart of the EV. And further improvements in range, time to charge, and cost are all significant and necessary to get a wider range of consumer acceptance. Many of those battery innovations in the past two decades have focused on increasing the energy density of the lithium battery, which directly translates to the EV drive range,” said Qiong. The companies that develop or integrate battery innovations are sure to hold an advantage in the market. But they’ll have to move fast. A Harvard-backed start-up claims to invented a battery that charges in three minutes (CNBC). The current electric vehicle market and average consumer landscape do not meet diverse consumer needs. Charging stations are a significant hurdle in general EV adoption (Reuters). Listen to the episode to hear more about TE Connectivity’s insights on electric vehicle innovation and the company’s efforts to support widescale adoption. Subscribe to the series wherever you get your podcasts. Learn more on TE.com: https://bit.ly/3BmSIhB

In this episode, Alex Megej, Chief Technology Officer for the Industrial Business Unit at TE Connectivity, speaks with Tyler Kern about cobots, how they differ from traditional industrial manufacturing robots and how they are advancing today’s factory automation. Cobots are more compact than large-size manufacturing robots. “Think of them as a mechanical arm that can operate in very tight spaces,” Megej said. “Typically, they can handle weights from several hundred grams up to several kilograms.” Cobots provide an excellent option for minor mass movement when operating near a person on a factory floor. Giant robots typically operate in isolation from factory workers for safety reasons. Cobots operate in more open or semi-protected environments. So, can these two mechanical wizards play together, or are they best kept apart? “In terms of collaboration between huge robots and small robots, this usually happens only in situations where smaller robots, or small cobots, in this case, pick and place material for further processing with larger robots,” Megej said. While any manufacturing operation can use cobots, Megej said cobots thrive in small and medium size business enterprises. The flexibility of cobots allows them to pick and place one day. Then, with the change of an arm tool, it can perform drilling functions on components the next day and perform assembly tasks on another. Its ability to be reprogrammed for various operations and functions makes its versatility invaluable. Megej said that even in TE’s factories, cobots help perform packing operations that previously required semi-automated or manual solutions. “Now we can use cobots to pick the finish goods, put them into a bag, as an example, close the bag, and transport it to the final destination.” Read the full story on TE.com.

On a global level, we are seeing increased demand for renewable energy sources. In this intriguing episode of Our Connected World, podcast host Tyler Kern sat down with Dr. Thomas Schoepf, VP and CTO of Energy at TE Connectivity to discuss the current and future state of renewable energy, barriers to adopting renewable energy sources, and much more. So, what is renewable energy actually? “When we say renewable energy sources, we mean mainly three available, primary energy sources – such as hydropower, wind, and solar. Those are naturally replenished so day after day the river flows, the sun shines, and the wind blows,” explained Dr. Schoepf. These sources of energy are becoming more critical as climate change continues to negatively affect the world. The increase in weather-related disasters alone illustrates the human cost of ignoring global warming. Additionally, the crisis in Ukraine has the potential to further accelerate renewable energy trends as countries seek to eliminate its reliance on Russian gas. Yet, although the need and demand are clearly present, we have a long way to go for full-scale implementation of renewables as the primary source of energy. One reason for this is that it took a while for the industry to get the costs of implementation down to a level where the return on investment became attractive to businesses. As Dr. Schoepf mentions, “another challenge is the volatility of wind and solar as energy sources, when the sun is not shining and the wind not blowing, which can lead to a decrease in energy output.” As such, renewable energy plants need a backup source or need to be paired with supplemental energy sources. Learn more on TE.com.

ATM machines, the internet, GPS maps, and weather reports all have one common denominator: outer space. Without space, these services would not be possible at the scale they are today. TE Connectivity’s leader of global engineering, Matt McAlonis joined Tyler Kern, host of Our Connected World, to highlight the trends in the space frontier. Space holds massive potential as a domain for defensive and offensive mechanisms while still providing commercial viability. As one of the world’s largest connectivity suppliers, TE Connectivity recognizes the importance of the space arena through its aerospace, defense, and marine business. There is widespread commercial interest in the future of outer space, including colonizing other planets, mining space minerals, building the next generation of the internet, and providing a lunar port for easier space travel. McAlonis noted, “Space harvesting includes finding rich deposits on something like a large asteroid, and we’ve already identified some of those, so the question is: How do we identify what’s on them? What’s the value of those elements, and how do we use them?” Resource harvesting is particularly interesting as a form of conservation on Earth and the ability it could have in making more environmentally friendly batteries. One must consider a variety of different factors when building connectivity in different environments; however, the biggest factor for commercialization is finance-related. “The commercialization of space comes down to a few important things and a big one is cost,” McAlonis said, noting that historically space flight has cost $10,000 per pound. Despite the barriers, one thing is for certain: Commercial interest in space is on the rise, and it’s only a matter of time before these futuristic concepts become reality.

TE Connectivity is on the cutting edge of sensor technology. To discuss this innovation that’s disrupting many industries, Tyler Kern chatted with VP and Chief Technology Officer, Erin Byrne, of Sensor Solutions. Byrne highlighted many examples of how sensors are already involved in people’s everyday use. “Sensors are ubiquitous…they’re ubiquitous in improving our lives, across our work or play. Examples that I think about that people are familiar with: You know, they’re following their sleep through using an aura ring for example, or maybe tracking their heart rhythms on their Apple watch. Or, you know, they’re getting driver assistance in new systems in cars that are being installed…” Byrne said. There are other use cases that are shaping industries that aren’t quite as obvious, like efforts around sustainability. For instance, the sensor technology in electric vehicles helps people know when their battery is low, so they don’t waste hours charging their car because the battery died. There are also feedback sensors, room lighting, and heating monitors that help conserve energy when and where needed. Additionally, sensors are positively impacting the healthcare industry with their remote capabilities, like doctors using finely tuned remote sensors to perform remote surgery and even patient-monitoring technologies. “We are also doing things like developing piezoelectric films and devices, and these piezoelectric films can act as a dynamic stream gauge,” Byrne explained. These sensors, which are extremely sensitive, can help alleviate staffing pressure in healthcare by monitoring patients when nurses and doctors can’t. Use cases for sensors continue to expand beyond the typical fashion, and there is certainly more revolutionary sensor technology to come.

Ralf Klaedtke, The Chief Technical Officer for Transportation Solutions at TE Connectivity, wrapped his three-part look at autonomous driving on Connected World with a focus on the future. The present-day provides the answers to that future. New players entering the autonomous vehicle space are making their presence known, and their technology solutions can play a massive part in securing the drive to full autonomy with EVs. “We’re entering an interesting time right now,” Klaedtke said. “We call it the new normal, and in the new normal, we see a huge amount of new players. All the traditional car companies are under pressure. We see electronic companies entering the game and software companies. We see the electrification of the cars, and that is opening totally new avenues for computers on wheels.”

Ralf Klaedtke, The Chief Technical Officer for Transportation Solutions at TE Connectivity, continued his discussion on autonomous driving with Connected World’s Tyler Kern. In this second episode, the conversation shifted to the human side of autonomous driving and people's trust issues with AI. And, as with Klaedtke and Kern’s earlier conversation, safety is the leading concern for people when it comes to adopting this important technology. Klaedtke saw adoption occurring first in cities with robo taxis and driver-less buses before moving out into less populated areas. Ironing out safety issues and cost aspects are still two challenges that need to be addressed before expecting this type of autonomy to be reached.

There’s a lot to be excited about in the world of autonomous vehicles. Still, there are many challenges ahead, including misconceptions to clear up and technology hurdles to climb before EV’s go mainstream. Ralf Klaedtke, The Chief Technical Officer for Transportation Solutions at TE Connectivity, shared his insights on those challenges and the trends shaping the industry with a push towards full autonomy. With so much great content to cover, Klaedtke joined Connected World’s Tyler Kern for this first of three separate episodes on the topic. Klaedtke told Kern it wasn’t long ago that people began dreaming of the day when autonomous driving was the norm. But that day isn’t here yet. So, what’s the hold-up?

The ecosystem of electric vehicles (EVs) is rapidly changing. With so many factors that impact the market, OEMs are evolving their models to meet consumer demand and infrastructure needs. Discussing the current state, Steven Merkt, President, Transportation Solutions at TE Connectivity, joined Our Connected World host Tyler Kern. “There have been many barriers in the way. First, it was making a battery that would last long enough and be cost-effective. Then getting through these economically unviable times. The third was would people want to drive them,” Merkt explained. Those challenges are in the rearview, but many remain. “There’s capability and capacity. Capability has had a natural progression of faster charging but scaling it out for capacity isn’t easy for the auto industry,” Merkt noted. The near-term issue is the supply chain, which every manufacturer has experienced. As a result, OEMs are responding and adapting. Infrastructure is still in flux, with some areas having easy access to charging where others don’t. Further, the energy used in charging needs to be sustainable. All this change and rapid acceleration have OEMs stepping back and viewing themselves differently. “Before a car company was a car company. Now some see themselves as transportation or service companies. Regardless of their model, they all need to advance battery technology and ensure the electrical infrastructure is there,” Merkt added. Merkt stated that the disruption has been good for the industry, allowing new players to bring value while traditional ones become more innovative. OEMs need to continue to deliver reliability and performance. Users also need easy access to charging. Those are the priorities of all stakeholders in the EV market. Visit TE.com to read the full story on this topic: https://bit.ly/3zuf2oc

The trend for seeing electric vehicles (EV) on the road has been on the rise. Sameer Pagnis, President, Global Automotive at TE Connectivity joined Host Tyler Kern to discuss facilitators and roadblocks in the EV field. A convergence of factors are responsible for increasing EV prevalence. The technology is integrating rapidly, battery pack density is improving, and economics make these cars more affordable. The performance factor that makes it difficult for consumers to go back to internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles once they have driven EVs. Alternatively, the main barrier preventing EVs from a complete overhaul of ICE vehicles is range or charge anxiety, which includes charge time, how many miles a charge gets, and charge station availability. “Once that charge anxiety is addressed, that eliminates the primary hurdle of widespread adoption from a technology perspective,” said Pagnis. The electrical power of these vehicles also poses an added safety challenge. Pyrotechnic or fire events needs to be known to the driver at least 20 minutes ahead of time. The high voltage switching in EVs also causes terminal and electromagnetic noise. Pagnis summarized: “The density of power that can charge rapidly and be made available economically and functions reliably; that is the biggest challenge.” The future of EV will rely on consumer experience. TE must take their experience and find people, supplies, and customers who can partner and provide the right level of input. “It is all about bringing all of those experiences together and learning from it rapidly so that the end consumers get the best product.” For more information, visit te.com to read blog posts on this topic or connect with the engineer support teams or sign up for the Circuit monthly newsletter. Additionally, iTunes, Spotify, and Google offer the Our Connected World podcast.

It’s astounding to think that the first flight was just over a hundred years ago. Since then, humans have been around the world and into space. So, what’s the future of flight? Connected World host Tyler Kern chatted with TE Connectivity’s Matt McAlonis, engineer and aerospace expert, to find out. First, Matt spoke about passenger aviation. “Disruption was the biggest trend during the pandemic, where only one-third of aircraft were flying. That has delayed timelines for new development and technology.” Matt also noted the changing passenger expectations, especially around being connected. “Now there’s bring your own device, which allows passengers to stay connected.” Supersonic travel may reappear in the future. However, the industry will need to overcome some big challenges. “The next iteration of supersonic flight will be responsible and sustainable. Engine development will need to be carbon neutral and quiet,” Matt explained. Is electric flight a possibility? It currently exists, and the struggle is making it commercially viable. Battery life is the major problem to solve. “It’s how fast can you charge and what’s the duration. There is a helicopter market right now, but that’s loud. Right now, it’s somewhere around 10 hours of charging for one hour of flight. , Fast charging requires more amperage and voltage,” Matt said. Finally, is commercial space flight going to be a reality? McAlonis commented that he thinks it’s possible. “There are challenges—launching, what orbits the planet, then once into space transporting from there. There’s exciting work happening here.” To learn more about Matt’s insights on the future of flight: https://bit.ly/2X0atTA

Taylor Fitzpatrick, Product Manager of Power Connectors at TE Connectivity, spoke on the challenges designers face when creating eVTOL platforms and the solutions they can use to help solve them. Without the proper battery management strategy, eVTOL aircraft cannot glide or auto-rotate. Fitzpatrick said that, along with needing sufficient battery storage for an eVTOL flight, these aircraft require a significant amount of battery power to take off. “We also need fast charging capability,” Fitzpatrick said. “eVTOLs that would be making numerous flights a day will require recharging between flights. This is why power management is the biggest challenge. Designers are responsible for helping with the reliability and performance of the onboard battery and power system, as well as the ground charging system.” With all of these challenges requiring solutions to make eVTOL a reality, TE Connectivity is ready to do its part to assist designers in overcoming barriers. “TE has decades of experience in automotive and aerospace connector applications,” Fitzpatrick said. “It’s a great opportunity for a company like us that’s familiar with the standards involved with this market. At TE, we’re using our expertise to build a range of power distribution systems that can meet the needs of these new vehicle platforms.” Part of TE’s solutions find ways to minimize the size and weight of their power management systems by using new materials and processes without compromising the reliability and performance of the connectors.