Earth Day is April 22. This month, we’re learning about an Earth-friendly recycling technique turning piles of plastic into useful chemicals and fuels. Billions of tons of plastic are discarded in landfills. Much of it ends up in oceans in places like the Great Pacific Garbage Patch. Irresponsibly dumped plastics disrupt the environment and harm wildlife. A team at SwRI has a solution. They are fine tuning a process to turn mountains of plastics into an oil, which can then be turned back into plastic, other chemicals or fuels. They are also helping big companies enter a new era in plastics recycling.

Listen now as SwRI Chemical Engineer Eloy Flores discusses pyrolysis for plastics, a new way to recycle and clean up the planet.

Episode 30: Recycling Plastic for Fuel

Drought and pollution jeopardize water sources around the world, leaving communities without clean, life-giving water.  SwRI engineers and scientists are taking on those threats with atmospheric water harvesting, a method of pulling water from the air. The process occurs naturally with morning dew on grass or condensation on a cold soda can. The team is re-creating the process on a larger scale, and researching ways to decontaminate existing water sources. They envision technology that makes and cleans water for people in need, wherever they happen to be, from rural areas to the desert. Their research could be a lifeline for disaster victims, soldiers on the frontlines and families without running water.

Listen now as SwRI Engineer and Program Manager Kevin Supak discusses atmospheric water harvesting, pulling water from air.

Episode 33: Atmospheric Water Harvesting

SwRI is taking drones beyond the common uses of recreation, photography and surveillance. With algorithms and sensors guiding the unmanned aerial vehicles, these cutting-edge drones are equipped to enter hazardous areas, make decisions and collect data on their own. Intelligent drones can aid in search and rescue missions and explore contaminated or unstable environments, such as a collapsed building. The drones can take on dangerous work, removing people from potential harm. 

Listen now as SwRI Engineer and Manager Dr. Eric Thorn discusses the many advanced capabilities of intelligent drones.

Episode 39: Intelligent Drones

On this Earth Day episode, we explore hydrogen, a cleaner energy source that could bring the planet closer to a carbon-neutral future. When used in power generation, manufacturing, transportation and other industries, hydrogen gas could pump the brakes on carbon and help lower harmful emissions. SwRI scientists and engineers are collaborating to uncover the potential and overcome the challenges of this alternative to fossil fuels. Is hydrogen the way forward?

Listen now as SwRI Mechanical Engineer Angel Wileman discusses how industries can transition to hydrogen, what makes the gas unique, and why it is a promising solution.

Episode 42: Decarbonizing with Hydrogen

The oil and gas that powers our lives moves through a vast network of pipelines underground and underwater. Corrosion and damage can cause pipeline leaks. It is important to detect leaks quickly to protect people and the environment. SwRI experts develop and test cutting-edge leak detection equipment for use on and offshore, and they study the physics of leaks to ensure the technology is up to the task. Through pipeline leak detection, they are keeping our communities safe.

Listen now as SwRI Engineer Shane Siebenaler discusses the role of pipelines in our economy, current advances in leak detection technology and the future of the industry.

Episode 43: Detecting Pipeline Leaks

Thomas Baker Slick, Jr., oil heir, business man, philanthropist, adventurer, author and inventor, impacted the world with his grand ideas and scientific pursuits. As we celebrate SwRI’s 75th anniversary, we remember the legendary and inspiring founder of the Institute who left a legacy of progress and innovation. Slick was known for his global vision and his desire to advance humankind. He was also known for his world travels, art collection and his expeditions in search of the mythical yeti. On this episode, his family members tell us they also knew another side of him, sharing intimate details of Tom Slick’s extraordinary life and their colorful memories of his humor and wisdom.

Listen now as Slick’s son, Chuck, and niece, Catherine Nixon Cooke, recall the man they knew as beloved father and uncle, and discuss how he continues to change the world today.

Episode 45: SwRI’s 75th Anniversary: Celebrating SwRI Founder Tom Slick

The countdown to launch is on! The CubeSat to Study Solar Particles or CuSP mission is preparing for lift off aboard NASA’s Space Launch System, the most powerful rocket ever built. The six-unit CubeSat is a micro-satellite carrying three instruments designed to measure solar particles and assess space weather. Space scientists want to learn more about conditions in space that can disrupt technology and air travel on Earth. This is SwRI’s first CubeSat mission, but not the last.

Listen now as SwRI’s Dr. Mihir Desai, CuSP principal investigator, discusses the CuSP mission and his team’s vision to create a network of space weather stations.

Episode 46: CubeSat to study Solar Particles

Would you hop on an automated bus for your morning commute? Sensors, software and cameras would safely guide you to your destination, saving time and helping you avoid unpredictable traffic. We’re moving toward this transportation option as SwRI develops technology and systems for connected automated buses. Our engineers are currently working on automated solutions that could ease congestion in busy bus lanes. And we are already seeing the technology deployed on the SwRI San Antonio campus with a new 14-passenger shuttle. Once programmed, the shuttle can accelerate, brake and navigate on its own. This is just the beginning of harnessing the possibilities of automation.

Listen now as SwRI engineer Jerry Towler discusses innovative, inspiring automated technology for buses and other applications.

Episode 48: Developing Automated Buses

SwRI’s Integrally Geared Supercritical CO2 Compander has been named one of the top innovations of 2022, receiving a prestigious R&D 100 Award. Pipeline & Gas Journal also recognized the compander as the “Best Management Advancement Technology” at the R&D 100 Awards Gala held on November 17. Using supercritical carbon dioxide, the revolutionary technology converts heat, like sunlight, into usable energy, while reducing carbon emissions. Our guests tell us what makes the new compander superior to conventional turbomachinery. They also explain how the groundbreaking equipment and highly-efficient sCO2 power cycles are moving us toward a cleaner energy future.

Listen now as SwRI engineers Dr. Tim Allison and Dr. Jason Wilkes discuss the transformational compander and other sCO2 solutions.

Episode 49: SwRI’s 2022 R&D 100 Award Winner

It’s a new year of listening and learning. We’re launching 2023 with the fascinating, emerging field of neuromorphic engineering, the development of biologically inspired technology that emulates the human brain. Neuromorphic systems use spiking neural networks to retain “memories,” like the human brain, making computer processing faster, more accurate and more efficient. Potential applications for neuromorphic technologies are limitless and could cover a range of industries, including aerospace, space science, automotive, smart devices and more.

Listen now as SwRI Engineer and Neuroscientist Dr. Steven Harbour, neuromorphic engineering expert, explains how the technology works, why the brain is a superior computing model and what the future holds for neuromorphic developments.

Episode 51: Neuromorphic Engineering

April 22 marks Earth Day, an annual call to action to preserve natural resources and protect the planet. On this Earth Day episode, we’re discussing new SwRI technology in development that targets rising greenhouse gas emissions, which cause disruptive changes in Earth’s climate. The transportation sector is a major contributor of carbon emissions. SwRI engineers are developing a potential solution, a membrane that removes and captures carbon dioxide before it escapes into the atmosphere, leaving cleaner air. They envision it will be outfitted on a range of vehicles, from compact cars to ships.

Listen now as SwRI Staff Engineer Dr. Graham Conway discusses going beyond a zero-emissions solution to develop a novel carbon capture membrane, a negative-emissions technology.

Episode 54: Targeting Transportation Emissions

NASGRO® fracture control software analyzes spacecraft, aircraft, structures and more for fractures and fatigue, wear and tear that could pose a risk if not repaired. With data that includes measurements and material composition, the software calculates how a crack could grow and become catastrophic. NASGRO was initially developed to support NASA’s Space Shuttle Program, but is now used by companies around the world to avert danger. Last month, the Space Foundation inducted NASGRO and its developers into the Space Technology Hall of Fame, which honors groundbreaking technologies that began as space programs and have since been adapted to improve the quality of life for all of humanity.

Listen now as SwRI NASGRO developers and Hall of Fame inductees Dr. Craig McClung and Joe Cardinal discuss the world-changing software’s capabilities and that shining moment of the behind-the-scenes technology taking the spotlight.

Episode 55: Fracture Control with NASGRO®

As you go about your day, you likely encounter microcapsules or microspheres everywhere. From your morning shower shampoo to your nighttime sleep aid, microencapsulation is working to improve your life. SwRI’s microencapsulation experts create custom, controlled-release capsules for a variety of products.  Since 1949, SwRI has tailored this tiny technology for a broad spectrum of industries, including food, pharmaceutical, cosmetic, agricultural, veterinary medicine, biomedical and more.

Listen now as SwRI Scientist Dr. James Oxley discusses the process of microencapsulation, the wide range of products that contain hidden capsules, the history of the mighty microcapsule and what the future holds for this technology.

Episode 56: The Mighty Microcapsule

The Engine for Automatic Biomechanical Evaluation or ENABLE™ captures and analyzes 3D motion to help athletes achieve peak performance and avoid injury. Beyond sports, it has the potential to be a useful tool for healthcare and military applications. Strategically placed cameras and powerful algorithms drive this portable, user-friendly system, eliminating the need for attached, movement-restricting sensors.

Plus, human performance professionals will connect with sports scientists at the upcoming International Human Performance Summit hosted by SwRI. Hear how your organization can join the Summit to explore the latest breakthroughs in human performance research.

Listen now as SwRI Engineers Ty Templin and Travis Eliason discuss SwRI’s ENABLE 3D motion analysis engine and the upcoming Summit.

Episode 57: ENABLE™ 3D Motion Analysis Engine

From food to transportation, manufacturing operations keep our lives moving. Manufacturers are a vital part of our economy and offer rewarding career opportunities. The Texas Manufacturing Assistance Center (TMAC) at SwRI supports small to large manufacturers with the tools for success, including training and workforce development. They are changing the perception of manufacturing work, helping companies update processes and integrate new technology, such as robotics and software, into production lines. While this is a regional center, TMAC’s robust manufacturing network builds connections with manufacturers across the country.

Listen now as SwRI Sr. Program Manager and TMAC Regional Director Bill Rafferty discusses TMAC’s impact and overcoming challenges in manufacturing.

Episode 58: Texas Manufacturing Assistance Center

In the coming months, people in the U.S. will have a front row seat to two upcoming eclipses. An annular eclipse on October 14, 2023 will cross North, Central and South America. A total eclipse will cross North America on April 8, 2024. While spectators are preparing to view the rare celestial events, scientists are getting ready for unique research opportunities. Our SwRI eclipse expert is organizing teams across the country to capture the total eclipse from ground and air. He’s talking about safety during an eclipse, how the events will advance science and his eclipse-chasing adventures. 

Listen now as SwRI Solar Astrophysicist Dr. Amir Caspi discusses safe viewing techniques, the best spots to catch the eclipses and what scientists want to learn from the spectacular celestial events.

Episode 59: Preparing for the Upcoming Eclipses

SwRI is hosting its first Global Decarbonized Mobility Summit, an opportunity for transportation industry members worldwide to convene in one place and discuss sustainable mobility solutions for all types of transportation. The impactful gathering, which is set to be an annual event, will bring together different perspectives and ideas to tackle the global emissions challenge as the industry strives for net zero emissions by 2050. Mitigating greenhouse gas emissions requires a clear action plan and the exploration of numerous sustainable options. The Summit will illuminate transportation needs and research opportunities to achieve lower global emissions on a rigid timeline. 

Listen now as SwRI Engineer and Summit Organizer Chris Bitsis discusses the vision for the inaugural Summit, the challenges the transportation industry is up against and why it is a critical event for everyone on the planet.

Episode 60: Global Decarbonized Mobility Summit

R&D World Magazine named SwRI’s Wideband Conformal Continuous-Slot Antenna Array a top 100 innovation of 2023, recognizing it as a world-changing, revolutionary technology. The high-performance, high-frequency, direction finding and signal acquisition antenna for naval ships is a compact, powerful new tool enhancing national security and public safety. Hear why the location of this innovative antenna, where it is positioned on a ship’s mast, is also an advantage.

Listen now as SwRI Engineer Patrick Siemsen discusses the award-winning antenna and the 1948 theory that served as the inspiration behind its unique design.

Episode 61: SwRI’s 2023 R&D 100 Winner

It was a year of discovering and learning from memorable, informative guests. We heard from the scientists, engineers and tech leaders imagining, creating and testing new innovations. From the mind-bending field of neuromorphic engineering to forming the building blocks of life in a chamber, developing negative-emissions technology, using cameras and algorithms to improve athletic performance and a rare opportunity to view two eclipses – we covered it all and more in 2023. Join us as we review the fascinating topics that had us listening and learning through the year.

Listen now as Technology Today Host Lisa Peña revisits the inspiring and intriguing topics of 2023.

Episode 62: 2023 Year in Review

An SwRI project is advancing clean energy technologies by using the Institute as a test ground. The goal of Project Z is to make SwRI a zero-emissions campus. Thousands of research and development projects across 2 million square feet of offices, labs and facilities consume electricity on the megawatt (MW) scale. The campus is an ideal location to demonstrate and implement emissions-reducing solutions. What develops at SwRI can be expanded nationally and globally as government and commercial organizations strive to reach net zero greenhouse gas emissions by the critical target year of 2050.

Listen now as SwRI Engineer and Project Manager Josh Schmitt discusses Project Z discoveries and possibilities.

Episode 63: Project Z

SwRI engineers have developed a comprehensive cybersecurity method for vehicles. The Zero-Trust Architecture for Automotive Networks is high-level security for computerized vehicle systems, using principles proven to safeguard computers, phones and other information technology (IT) equipment. The zero-trust approach is now hitting the road, offering layers of protection against cyberthreats for vehicle electronics, software and sensors. 

Listen now as SwRI Engineer and Project Leader Maggie Shipman discusses the emerging field of vehicle cybersecurity and how zero-trust architecture is advancing beyond IT applications to protect drivers.

Episode 64: Zero-Trust Cybersecurity for Vehicles

On April 8, SwRI headquarters in San Antonio, Texas, and surrounding areas, will experience a rare total eclipse, the first in this region in centuries. Spectators in the path of totality, stretching from Mexico to Canada, can expect nighttime conditions in the middle of the day. As visitors descend on totality destinations, communities will encounter traffic tie-ups and crowds. If you want to witness this spectacular celestial event in person, now is the time to make eclipse day preparations and plans. 

Listen now as SwRI Planetary Scientist Dr. Tracy Becker discusses total eclipse readiness, resources, safety and the eclipse’s impact on science.

Episode 65: Total Eclipse Over Texas

SwRI Senior Research Engineer Dr. Kristin Ulmer is sharing her experience traveling to Turkey in February 2023, just after devastating, powerful earthquakes and aftershocks rocked the region. Thousands died and were injured as buildings and homes collapsed. Ulmer joined a research mission to uncover evidence and information in the aftermath of the magnitude 7.8 quake. As researchers collect data after an earthquake, they can understand how to improve design and construction practices and ultimately, save lives. 

Listen now as Ulmer describes her experience in the disaster zone, from feeling a forceful aftershock to meeting unforgettable locals. She explains why it was critical to be there so soon after the quake and how weather pattern changes on Earth are impacting her work.

Episode 66: Collecting Data from Destruction

Engineers in SwRI’s new Space Robotics Center are developing software to operate robots in space. Robots are called in when a job is too dangerous for humans but they move differently in space. The Space Robotics Center captures cosmic characteristics, like lighting fluctuations and low friction, allowing development of robotics in a space-like environment. The center specializes in simulation, advanced perception, robot manipulation and off-road autonomy, capabilities that allow robots to accomplish assembly, manufacturing and other tasks in space.

Listen now as SwRI engineers Meera Day Towler and Lily Baye Wallace discuss the advancing field of space robotics, the Institute’s new cutting-edge center and the future of space robotics technology.

Episode 67: SwRI’s Space Robotics Center

An SwRI-led consortium is tackling decarbonization of the transportation industry with a hydrogen internal combustion engine or H2-ICE vehicle. The world is on a deadline to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. Experts say multiple technologies are needed to dial back global warming and attain that rigorous goal. SwRI engineers and members of the H2-ICE Consortium are showcasing a new hydrogen engine for heavy-duty vehicles, which could be a high-impact solution to curb harmful emissions.

Listen now as H2-ICE Consortium Program Manager Ryan Williams discusses the breakthrough H2-ICE vehicle, why it’s a standout decarbonization alternative and challenges to getting it on the road nationwide.

Episode 68: The Hydrogen Internal Combustion Engine (H2-ICE)

SwRI is designing, building and operating the QuickSounder satellite, a collaborative mission between NASA and NOAA and the first in a new generation of low-Earth orbit environmental satellites. NOAA’s low-Earth orbit satellites collect weather data and provide information for the 3-to-7-day forecasts we use to plan our days and stay safe in severe weather. QuickSounder will also provide weather data, but what makes this prototype unique is the fast production timeline and the low construction cost. It is being developed in one-fifth of the time and at one-tenth of the cost of previous weather satellite technology. 

Listen now as QuickSounder Program Manager Keith Smith and Lead Systems Engineer Steve Thompson explain what the advanced production timeline means for weather forecasting and the challenges of designing and building the weather satellite in record time.

Episode 69: QuickSounder Environmental Satellite

When dense concentrations of pavement and buildings replace green spaces, a community risks becoming an urban heat island (UHI). UHI temperatures can be up to 20 degrees higher than surrounding areas, causing heat-related health and safety problems for people in the community. SwRI is working with the city of San Antonio to rapidly identify UHIs and pinpoint areas where people will most benefit from solutions like covered bus stops, water features, green spaces and more. An SwRI-designed tool is integrating and analyzing information from more than 200 sources to strategically combat high temperatures.

Listen now as SwRI engineers Shane Siebenaler and Justin Long discuss SwRI’s data fusion tool used to identify areas that most need relief from the scorching summer heat.

Episode 70: Urban Heat Island Data Tool

NASA’s Europa Clipper mission will investigate a vast saltwater ocean beneath the surface of Jupiter’s icy moon Europa. The spacecraft, equipped with nine instruments, will gather data in search of ingredients that support life. SwRI designed and built two of the instruments onboard Clipper, the Europa Ultraviolet Spectrograph and the Mass Spectrometer for Planetary Exploration. The mission could help answer big questions about the origin of life on Earth and whether that process can occur elsewhere in our solar system. The launch window for Clipper opens October 10 and the spacecraft is expected to enter Jupiter’s orbit in 2030.

Listen now as SwRI space scientists Dr. Jim Burch and Dr. Kurt Retherford, principal investigators of SwRI’s Clipper instruments, talk about preparations before launch, mission goals, and the SwRI instruments contributing to our understanding of astrobiology, the study of the potential for life beyond our planet.

Episode 71: Europa Clipper Mission

The award-winning LotusFlo™ superhydrophobic coating is solving a major problem in offshore oil drilling. Substances often clog pipes, slowing or stopping the flow of oil. This innovative coating applied through a unique plasma process keeps substances from adhering to pipe surfaces. Better flow makes recovering petroleum for fuel and other products more cost-effective, which is a win for consumers too. But that’s not the only perk, LotusFlo is also better for the environment, cutting out the need for harsh chemicals that pollute the ocean. R&D Magazine recently recognized LotusFlo as one of the 100 most significant innovations of 2019. Find out why!

Plus, an SwRI engineer shares his breakthrough moment bringing about cleaner engines and cleaner air. In Ask Us Anything, we’re tackling the popular tech topic, machine learning. 

Listen and learn from the people shaping our world through science, engineering, research and technology.

Episode 17: A Superhydrophobic Solution

Vehicles our communities depend on, like big rigs, garbage trucks and buses, are equipped with heavy-duty engines that contribute to smog. Ultimately, that pollution leads to poor air quality and public health issues. SwRI engineers have developed a solution. Their near-zero emissions heavy-duty diesel engine drastically cuts down on harmful nitrogen oxides, while decreasing other pollutants. After years of research, SwRI engineer Chris Sharp and his team are ready to introduce a game-changing technology in heavy-duty transportation that could benefit human health.

Listen now as we learn about a cleaner way to hit the road.

Episode 20: Creating a Cleaner Diesel Engine

Technology Today Podcast launched in November 2018, offering a new way to listen and learn about the technology, science, engineering and research impacting our lives and changing our world. The podcast is presented by Southwest Research Institute, a nonprofit contract R&D organization developing innovative solutions for government and industry clients. Podcast host Lisa Peña is breaking through the tech jargon and talking to the scientists, engineers and researchers building the future of technology. It’s a conversation bringing tech to life and helping us understand how technology, science, engineering and research link to our daily lives.

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