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Our lead article is an exploration of autonomous trucks designed to haul freight across the country without requiring a driver. The Mechanical Engineering magazine staff talked to some of the biggest names in the field, not only the companies that are developing the technology but also the logistics companies that expect to use it. One thing we learned: Self-driving trucks are not some far off gizmo—they are hauling freight right now on some selected routes and will start regular deliveries in Oklahoma and Texas later this year.

We also sent writers to look at topics as wide-ranging as the thermal profile of lithium-ion batteries, a novel microphone design that takes its cues from spider webs, a new way to see blood flow deep in the body, and research into storing energy in a bed of hot gravel. And our Technology Focus section rounds up some of the headlines from startups and research labs developing breakthroughs in robotics.

One fun article that takes advantage of the power of this digital format is our infographic looking at the energy density of various electric generation technologies. Some of the numbers were surprising.

There’s so much more that highlights the scope and reach of ASME. In a special video profile, Michael Maas, an engineer in training at ARC Clean Technology in St. John, N.B., tells us what he’s learned about getting his first job in the nuclear industry. We talk to ASME member Andrew Blik, who is applying his engineering skills as a captain in the U.S. Army. And Paul Fakes of ASME’s Washington office explains the impact of the CHIPS and Science Act on manufacturing investment.