Our Connected World | TE Connectivity

TE Connectivity

Welcome to Our Connected World, a podcast series from TE Connectivity. Join us as we explore the latest technology trends creating a safer, sustainable, productive and connected future. In a world that’s racing ahead, we bring insights from across industrial and transportation sectors -- from artificial intelligence, automated factories, and energy networks, to next generation automobiles, commercial vehicles and aircraft.

  1. The Future of Software-Defined Vehicles

    01/16/2024

    The Future of Software-Defined Vehicles

    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.

    38 min
  2. The Technical Path toward eVTOL Technologies: A New Era in Urban Air Mobility, part one

    10/25/2023

    The Technical Path toward eVTOL Technologies: A New Era in Urban Air Mobility, part one

    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.

    37 min
  3. Innovation in the Tech Space

    06/19/2023

    Innovation in the Tech Space

    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.

    24 min
  4. The March Toward Commercial Fleet Electrification

    05/01/2023

    The March Toward Commercial Fleet Electrification

    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.

    22 min
  5. Readying the Grid for Electrification

    03/23/2023

    Readying the Grid for Electrification

    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.

    18 min

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
6 Ratings

About

Welcome to Our Connected World, a podcast series from TE Connectivity. Join us as we explore the latest technology trends creating a safer, sustainable, productive and connected future. In a world that’s racing ahead, we bring insights from across industrial and transportation sectors -- from artificial intelligence, automated factories, and energy networks, to next generation automobiles, commercial vehicles and aircraft.