WHEN A WINTER STORM THREATENS, on the rare times that they do down here in Houston, the first thought many folks have around here is always whether or not our power is going to make it through the event. Memories of the 2021 freeze that burst pipes and cut power for nearly a week (or more for some) are hard to shake. The storm that worked its way way across the United States at the end of January was no different and many in its path saw and continue to feel its impacts.
It’s situations like this that showcase why having reliable infrastructure and suitably diversified energy portfolios is so important. That’s where solutions such as thermal energy storage come into play. In this month’s cover story, “A Better Way to Power the Sun,” writer Poornima Apte took a closer look at some of the of these systems that are now under development that aim to help both alleviate grid stress and decarbonize heavy industries.
“If we can develop systems capable of absorbing solar energy and storing it for consistent use, we could significantly reduce the effects of energy source intermittency and mitigate global warming,” Amir Shooshtari, a professor at the University of Maryland told Apte.
And if you’d like to take a deeper dive into one of these technologies, be sure to check out this month’s video, as ASME’s Video Production Team recently spent some time with the team at Fourth Power to learn more about the company’s modular, grid-scale thermal energy storage system.
Our second feature is also future-focused, but on a topic that many will find a little closer to home. I know I’m not the only one out there who is eagerly awaiting a replicator (perhaps to order some tea, Earl Gray, hot?). In “Kitchens of Tomorrow,” Kayt Sukel explored what’s driving the design and technology in the most used room of the house. She wrote, “Even today’s most traditional cooking appliances boast multiple cooking modes, self-cleaning options, digital interfaces, and improved insulation. Yet, despite those features, many are moving away from these conventional appliances because they take up too much space and can often be both time and energy hogs.”
It’s a fun exploration into the innovations engineers are dreaming up, from robotic sous chefs to invisible induction cooking countertops, and even 3-D printing and laser cooking systems.
When it comes to cooking, appliances, and the future of cooking, mindsets can be reversed and that difference can be significant. “Designers and engineers will often say we make toaster ovens, but in actuality, we help people cook,” explained Dan Formosa, a design consultant and co-founder of Smart Design, USA. Image: Dan Formosa
In other news, researchers are looking to unlock better batteries by pursuing anode materials other than graphite and investigating a soft robotic skin that lets millimeter-scale vine robots climb through complex spaces. And in the great pursuit of vehicle emissions reduction, perhaps we need to look no further than our brake calipers.
We have some new tidbits for you as well. For those folks who may not know, ASME formed ASME Standards Technology LLC (STLLC) back in 2004 to provide the research and technology development needed to maintain the technical relevance of ASME’s Codes and Standards. We’re kicking off a brand new section, STLLC Corner, where Michael McKenna is sharing insights into some of the ongoing research projects—this time ultra high-performance concrete and the other additive manufacturing.
I also encourage you to give the new additions to this month’s columns section a closer look. We have a contribution from ASME’s Management Division on its new priorities as we move into 2026. We also have a guest column from a team of researchers who are investigating the reasons why fundamental GD&T concepts are being omitted from most engineering programs—and they’re asking for some insights from our readers as well.
And a final reminder that this is your last chance to nominate a young engineer who’s making an impact on their corner of the industry for our 2026 Watch List. The deadline is February 27.
There’s a lot more to check out in this issue, so please enjoy!
—Louise Poirier, managing editor
There’s more to ASME than the magazine. Be sure to check out these features.
Some of our most recent episodes include:
MAKING ADDITIVE THE FIRST CHOICE FOR PRODUCTION
3D Print Application Engineer Emily Levin works for HP in San Diego, where she works to make customer ideas a reality across multiple industries.
MECHANICAL ENGINEERING’S BEST OF 2025
Mechanical Engineering’s editorial team takes its an annual look back at 2025’s top stories, from the last coal-fired passenger locomotive in the U.S., to NASA’s Artemis mission, to unique tools engineered for extremes.
ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING’S HUMBLE BEGINNINGS AT FORD
Jonné Messer, global additive manufacturing lead at Ford Motor Company, shares how 3D printing got its start at the automaker and what challenges AM faces in the years ahead.
ASME UNCONVENTIONAL ENGINEERING
Join ASME CEO Thomas Costabile and STEM educator Jay Flores as they talk with some of the most exciting names in engineering. Check out the podcast landing page to hear them all.
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