Technology Today

When critical equipment fails, from a chain hoist to an aircraft part, operators want to find out what went wrong. Normal wear and tear, before a failure occurs, can also prompt tests to determine remaining service life for a part or system. A materials science and failure analysis engineer can investigate, digging deep to uncover the root cause of a failure or identify a potential malfunction. This expertise prevents loss of equipment or in extreme cases, loss of life.

Listen now as SwRI materials science and failure analysis engineer and metallurgist Dr. Mirella Vargas discusses what is revealed during a thorough analysis, down to the microstructure of metals and materials.

Episode 87: Superheroes, Anime and STEM by Southwest Research Institute

Episode 86: 2025 Rewind by Southwest Research Institute

SwRI built a private, secure, high-velocity 5G network to advance wireless research and development, now and in the future. The versatile network operates on campus with fixed infrastructure or in the field with mobile components without relying on traditional mobile network providers. It currently supports 5G projects in cybersecurity, drone technology, edge computing and more, but it is ready to take on 6G and beyond. Future G capabilities will include artificial intelligence, satellite, virtual reality and holographic technology.

Listen now as SwRI RF Sensors and Systems Department Director and 5G expert Jody Little discusses the benefits of a private 5G network, SwRI R&D progress using this new tool and the possibilities of Future G technology.

SwRI picked up two “Oscars of Innovation,” R&D 100 Awards, in the 2025 R&D World Magazine competition. The R&D 100 Awards recognize the most significant technical accomplishments of the year. The prestigious award has honored top tier, revolutionary science and technology for more than 60 years. SwRI was recognized as co-developer on two winning projects, the Copeland Oil-Free Centrifugal Compressor and the Low Mass High Efficiency Medium-Duty Truck Engine. This year, the competition drew entries from 13 countries and regions. SwRI has won 54 R&D 100 Awards since 1971.

Listen now as SwRI engineers Dr. Jason Wilkes and Ryan Williams discuss what makes these technologies stand out as innovations of the year and how SwRI’s expertise contributed to the development of the award-winning compressor and engine.