Southwest Research Institute Timeline

Events

• 2026-10-14 - Research Publication - SwRI introduces Hierax neuromorphic counter-drone research system - Event-based sensing tracks pixel-level brightness changes, supporting fast-moving target detection with lower compute requirements than conventional optical systems. The kit uses a hardware-agnostic, modular open-systems design intended to support… - source: swri.org
• 2026-06-15 - Partnership - SwRI signs lunar-research initiative MoU with Astroport and WEX - The proposed test site covers approximately 180 acres of SwRI-owned property near its San Antonio campus. The initiative would simulate lunar terrain and Artemis Moon Base configurations for testing, risk reduction and workforce training. - source: swri.org
• 2025-05-13 - Demonstration - SwRI demonstrates SWORD robotics programming at Automate - SWORD is a FreeCAD plugin that configures robot models, fixtures and end-of-arm tooling. The toolkit links 3D visualisation to ROS software and collision-aware motion planning for industrial applications. - source: swri.org
• 2024-05-06 - Product Launch - SwRI releases SWORD robotics-development toolkit at Automate 2024 - Users can import robot, fixture and tooling models, then manipulate joints and test collision geometries. Custom planning pipelines support Cartesian or joint waypoints, motion groups and supplementary commands. The software was released with licensed seats… - source: swri.org
• 2024-04-09 - Capability - SwRI details new Space Robotics Center and in-space automation research - The new centre includes an air-bearing table, motion capture, a seven-degree-of-freedom robot arm and test fixtures. Ranger ground-facing cameras guided a rover across simulated lunar regolith during localisation research. Other studies evaluated cave… - source: swri.org