Our Connected World | TE Connectivity

Unleashing a New Era of Smart Manufacturing with TE Connectivity

In this episode of the Our Connected World podcast, we delve into the transformative impact of discrete, hybrid, and process automation technologies on manufacturing. As these technologies evolve, manufacturers are achieving unprecedented economies of scale, customization opportunities, and maintenance predictability. Yet, there is much more to be done to fully realize their potential. This episode explores how industrial engineers can bridge the technical gap to develop new architectures, enabling smarter machines across factory floors.What steps can industrial engineers take to advance smart manufacturing? How can they leverage new technologies to create more flexible and efficient production processes? These questions and more are explored in today's episode.Episode Highlights:• Virtual PLCs and Flexible Production: Ivan discusses how virtual PLCs enable flexible, decentralized production, reducing hardware costs and enhancing real-time decision-making.• Smart Industrial Machines: Anil explains the benefits of modular and adaptable systems, emphasizing the shift towards sustainable and efficient manufacturing processes.• Robotic Automation: The conversation covers the role of modern robots, from AGVs to cobots, in increasing production flexibility and efficiency through reprogrammable and AI-enhanced capabilities.

Transforming Vehicle Architectures with TE Connectivity's Lamar F. Ricks

In today's episode of the Our Connected World podcast, we dive into the future of vehicle design, focusing on the transformative impact of advancements in smart vehicle technology. With the rapid shift towards electrification and the increasing complexity of automotive systems, the industry is experiencing a significant evolution. This episode explores the trends driving these changes and the implications for vehicle architecture.What does the future hold for vehicle design? How are technologies like autonomous driving reshaping the landscape? These questions and more are tackled in this engaging discussion.• Advancements in Vehicle Electrification: Lamar discusses the rapid pace of innovation in electric vehicles and the shift towards standardized and modular electronic systems.• Zonal vs. Domain-Centralized Architectures: An in-depth comparison of the benefits and challenges of zonal architecture, including cost reduction, improved reliability, and enhanced cybersecurity.• Future of Software-Defined Vehicles: Insight into how software development is becoming central to vehicle design, driving a shift from hardware-centric to software-centric systems.

The Evolution of eVTOL Technologies, Part 2

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.

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.

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.