ASME TechCast

The editors of Mechanical Engineering magazine and ASME.org return with their picks of the most interesting stories they've come across over the past couple months. Join Louise Poirier, Cathy Cecere, Sarah Alburakeh, and Jeffrey Winters as they talk about:SKETCHPAD VERSUS TABLETPatriots Pick Mechanical Engineer in the 2025 NFL DraftLEVELING EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES FOR YOUNG WOMENELECTRIC GEOGRAPHYThe Brakes That Got America Movingand more.

Although AI and robotics are distinctly different fields, together, the two are unlocking incredible new possibilities. One company that’s making waves in this area is Milpitas, California-based RoboForce, an AI robotics startup that has developed an advanced “Robo-Labor” system. The company's robots are capable of 1mm precision in fine motor movements and manipulations. When combined with its internally designed and developed AI expert model, a fleet of these machines are able to install and secure solar modules for large-scale commercial and utility-scale projects.RoboForce will be launching pilot projects throughout 2025, with plans for a commercial launch at the end of this year. The company's founder and CEO Leo Ma is a 15-year veteran in the AI robotics space. He joins ASME TechCast to share insights into his journey, the robotic solutions at RoboForce, and what's next.

Being both an elite athlete and studying mechanical engineering at a top school is not easy, yet with a strong work ethics and perseverance Ella Escobar pursues both her passions.

What’s the hype around Czinger hypercars? Besides holding records as some of the fastest street legal cars on the planet, the California-based brand is out to pioneer a new era in the automotive space by fundamentally changing the way performance cars are designed and manufactured. Chief Engineer Ewan Baldry shares what it’s like behind the scenes of engineering hypercars with Czinger’s additive manufacturing technology.

In this episode of ASME TechCast, we chat with SCHOTT’s Tina Gallo and Zach Wimmer about how specialty glass is pushing the limits of what’s possible in engineering. From its 19th-century roots with Otto Schott to today’s high-performance tech, they break down what makes this material so unique—and why it’s shaping the future of innovation.This episode is part one of a four-part series. Visit schott.com to learn more about leveraging SCHOTT’s expertise to elevate your projects.

Mechanical engineers are in high demand and Addison Group’s Jim Gerlock examines what recent graduates and seasoned MEs need when it comes to skills and training in the current and future job market.

A new governing trifecta has swept into Washington and has set out to bring immediate changes to the way the Federal government does business. What does that mean for engineers in industry and research? Paul Fakes, director of ASME’s Government Relations education and outreach programs, explains what policy changes engineers should keep an eye out for in 2025.

The editors of Mechanical Engineering magazine discuss some of the best articles in its January issue - the first in its new digital format. These include an interactive feature about NASA's Artemis program and a look at startups developing sustainable ways to make steel.

Historian Emily Murphy joined ASME Techcast to discuss the role that engineering played at the height of international trade in Salem, Mass., when standards, weights, measures, gauges, and scales helped fund a new nation.

In this episode, we dive into Wiley's annual survey on the content preferences and trends of engineers and industry professionals. Danish Khan, David Löh, and Chris Darch of Wiley unpack which types of content resonated most with engineers in the past year, the platforms they trust, and key metrics for connecting with the engineering community. To learn more about the survey findings and Wiley Corporate Solutions, visit ⁠www.wiley.com/corporate-solutions⁠.