Printable Version |
Automation & Data Systems
Southwest Research Institute takes advanced computer-based technologies out of the realm of possibility and into actuality, putting new technology to work for our government and industry clients. Our cyber security research is creating security solutions that meet social, economic and legal constraints (cybersecurity.swri.org), while our bioengineering activities range from designing orthopedic devices to imaging living cells to developing new health screening technologies.
 |
Our engineers developed a comprehensive flight test data acquisition and recording system for certification testing of aircraft. SwRI used a variety of technologies new to flight test to increase efficiency, scalability and capacity while reducing installation and operational complexity. |
Using our software engineering expertise, we are creating and validating extensive medical information systems as well as pioneering the next phase of intelligent transportation, smart cars and roadways. Our engineers are demonstrating how advanced automation can safely and efficiently assemble products to keep manufacturing plants on American soil. And we are revolutionizing the use of radio frequency technologies, in areas from digital predistortion to software-defined radio.
Using internal and external funding, our engineers conceived how to measure and characterize the electromagnetic signature of ballistic events to almost instantaneously identify the weapon fired and determine its location.
Software-defined radio technology is particularly attractive for space applications, where less hardware translates to smaller spacecraft, less weight and lower costs (softwareradio.swri.org). The NASA Johnson Space Center contracted us to develop reconfigurable space transceiver technology applicable to the Crew Exploration Vehicle, the proposed successor to the space shuttle.
|
SwRI developed long-term live cell imaging capabilities that allow us to study how intracellular molecules travel and interact, providing insight into the pathology of diseases and the mechanics of new treatments. |
 |
Our engineers develop advanced technologies to improve manufacturing speed and quality, while cutting costs, energy usage and waste generation (manufacturing.swri.org). We are applying this automation, product inspection and process control expertise to the food industry among others.
Our experts in real-time networking are combining proven network technology and emerging standards such as IEEE 1588, facilitating the use of networks in mission-critical applications. We developed the first fully Ethernet-based network for aircraft flight test (networking.swri.org).
As a recognized industry leader in advanced traffic management systems, SwRI successfully developed and deployed Florida’s SunGuideSM software, one of the most integrated systems in the country, in Miami, Ft. Lauderdale and Jacksonville (its.swri.org). We also deployed a data server system for the Orlando-Orange County Expressway Authority utilizing toll tags to provide expressway travel times on the web.
|
|
We developed a prototype robotic arm, a sampling and sensor package, and control algorithms for the Deep Phreatic Thermal Explorer, an autonomous underwater vehicle developed by Stone Aerospace to test technologies that will ultimately be used to seek signs of life on the Jovian moon Europa. This year, DEPTH-X will take its first test dives in unexplored water-filled sinkholes and caverns in Mexico. |
We are applying our intelligent transportation system expertise to the Federal Highway Administration’s new Vehicle Integration Initiative, which seeks to develop the next phase of intelligent transportation, vehicle-to-roadside and vehicle-to-vehicle communications. In addition, SwRI developed software to improve methods used to inspect commercial vehicles entering the United States from Mexico. Incorporating a variety of ITS technologies, the systems will expedite safety inspections at eight Texas Department of Transportation facilities.
We continue reengineering scheduling and pharmacy applications for the Veterans Health Administration, integrating these applications into a VHA legacy medical information system (medicalsystems.swri.org). In addition to developing these large enterprise systems, we also now have the expertise to load-test these systems to prove their operational performance as well as new expertise in service-oriented architectures.
|
SwRI developed and prototyped two large automated work cells to handle, inspect and package glass fiber materials, demonstrating significant improvements to manufacturing speed and quality while reducing costs, energy usage and waste generation. The automation technology also creates a significantly safer work environment. |
|
Our bioengineers are using internal funding to create new areas of expertise (bioengineering.swri.org). Spinal fusion sensor research has resulted in client-funded work in spinal, ankle and knee orthopedic technologies, and we are collaborating with Purdue University to apply flow cytometry for cancer screening. We are also examining microfluidic technology for low-cost, portable assay systems for drug discovery, drug delivery and disease diagnosis.
SwRI helped develop a new breast cancer detection device for a commercial client that could replace mammography as the screening method of choice.
Visit autodata.swri.org for more information or contact Vice President Les B. Hoffman at (210) 522-5172 or lhoffman@swri.org
| Copyright© 2006 by Southwest Research Institute. All rights reserved under U.S. Copyright Law and International Conventions. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, without permission in writing from the publisher. All inquiries should be addressed to the Communications Department, Southwest Research Institute, P.O. Drawer 28510, San Antonio, Texas 78228-0510, phone (210) 522-3305, fax (210) 522-3547. |
