SPE ACCE 2026 announces Shield AI speaker as first keynote 

The SPE Automotive Composites Conference & Expo (ACCE) executive planning committee welcomes the 2026 event’s first keynote speaker, Jeff Bosworth, senior manager – X-Bat structures lead at Shield AI (San Diego, Calif., U.S.).

Bosworth’s presentation, “Fly by: Aerospace composites for an automotive audience” will be a high-level discussion of how composites are essential in making modern aircraft, especially vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) platforms. Attendees can expect to learn about the basics of design philosophy, nuances of analysis and multiple manufacturing techniques, as well as some speculation about where the aerospace composites industry will go over the next decade. 

The X-Bat is an AI-piloted (unmanned) VTOL fighter jet that “reimagines airpower” —  from training and logistics to operations and operating costs.  With VTOL, long range and full autonomy, X-Bat delivers combat power anywhere, anytime.

The platform will the leading edge of a distributed unmanned fires network, capable of launching and recovering from ships, remote islands or austere forward bases while eliminating dependency on traditional infrastructure. X-Bat can carry both air-to-air and air-to-surface weapons in its internal bays and carry large strike weapons on external hardpoints.  

“The VTOL market is a great opportunity for automotive composites suppliers to expand,” says Bosworth. “I believe this presentation will enlighten the industry to new opportunities for growth and be inspiring.”