Building Tomorrow’s World: From Steam Trolleys to Space Transportation

Picture this: A century ago, as steam-powered trolleys clanked through city streets and the first automobiles puttered down dirt roads, a group of visionary manufacturers recognized something crucial. The future of human mobility would depend not just on innovation, but on everyone speaking the same language of safety and reliability.

These pioneers in power transmission technology didn’t just compete—they collaborated. They understood that for society to embrace revolutionary transportation, every component, every system, every standard had to work seamlessly together. From their foresight emerged what we now know as the Motion + Power Technology Manufacturers Alliance (MPMA).

Fast-forward to today, and that 108-year-old legacy surrounds us. We step confidently onto trains, drive across continents, and fly between cities because those early standards became the invisible foundation of modern mobility. But the next chapter of this story is just beginning.

Participation in MPMA offers employees more than just the chance to shape the future of mobility—it’s an opportunity to expand their expertise, build invaluable networks, and develop skills that directly enhance both their personal growth and their company’s success. By contributing to groundbreaking standards and innovations, employees not only influence the next generation of transportation but also gain the tools to advance their careers and make a lasting impact on the industry.

Consider what it takes to step into an autonomous vehicle or board a commercial space flight. That act of trust isn’t just about the technology—it’s about knowing that every component, every software protocol, every safety system has been rigorously tested and standardized across the entire industry.

This is where MPMA’s modern mission becomes critical. Just as the alliance once brought order to the chaos of early transportation, today’s members are working across the entire ecosystem—from component manufacturers to software developers, from government regulators to research institutions—to establish the frameworks that will make tomorrow’s transportation both revolutionary and reliable.

The path forward isn’t about any single breakthrough or company. It’s about convergence—bringing together diverse expertise, competing interests, and shared values to solve challenges that no one can tackle alone. When a humanoid robot needs to navigate a crowded sidewalk, when a flying car must integrate with air traffic control, when an autonomous vehicle encounters an emergency, the solutions require industry-wide collaboration and consensus-driven standards.

MPMA serves as the crucial convener in this complex ecosystem, fostering the partnerships and establishing the standards that will define the next century of human mobility. Through education, advocacy, and collaborative problem-solving, the alliance ensures the future isn’t just about having new technology—it’s about having the trust to use it. And that trust, like the standards that enable it, is built one collaboration at a time.

I encourage you to engage with MPMA if you are a member—join our committees, explore our work in emerging technology—and be part of the pioneering spirit that started us 108 years ago! If you aren’t a member—join us! We are truly setting the standards of tomorrow, right now! Come find out how we can make a difference to your company’s efforts to innovate and grow.

As Chair, and the first one for the combined ABMA and AGMA, I am committed to advancing these fundamental tenets in everything we do at MPMA. I look forward to working with our current and future boards, listening to our industry needs from members, and driving our organization into this exciting future.

Together, we will keep tomorrow moving!