Tradition, transition, and transformation

SAE 100 Future Look: SAE reflects on a proud and rich transportation industry.

As the sun sets on the first 100 years of SAE, we reflect on a proud and rich tradition of contribution to the transportation industry. Engineering accomplishments in the last century have been the enabler of progress, expanding our personal horizons on land, in the sky, and beyond. At the start of the century, four U.S. farmers could feed about 10 people. By the end, with the help of engineering innovation, a single farmer could feed more than 100. In the early 1900s, the average American traveled about 1200 mi (1900 km) in their lifetime, mostly on foot, and mostly within their own town. One hundred years later, the typical American adult travels more than 12,000 mi (19,000 km) by automobile alone in just one year. From early test rockets to sophisticated satellites, human exploration into space is perhaps the most amazing engineering feat of the 20th century. The development of spacecraft has thrilled the world, expanded our knowledge base, and improved our capabilities.

What a legacy the men and women of SAE-some of the most extraordinary inventors of the 20th century-have left for us. They created engineering marvels resulting in new products, technologies, and applications that no less than changed the course of society. This kind of quantum leap in engineering evolution comes from the discussion and sharing of science and technology-the very cornerstone of SAE's mission. Even as business and communication models change, the exchange and reciprocity of ideas opens the door for great things. We will continue to bring together experts from around the world to share knowledge and present their latest developments, publish technical papers, gather the engineering community's best minds for collaboration and insight, establish the best practices and standards for all industry and government, and develop ongoing education forums for all engineers to improve their skills through classes and technical sessions. These are the traditional areas of SAE contributions that create a lasting foundation for our future.