Who is SWRI?
Founded in 1947 by Tom Slick, the Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) is a leading, self-sustaining nonprofit organization specializing in research and development across multidisciplinary fields such as aerospace, automotive, defense, space, energy storage and efficiency, geoscience, and lastly, robotics. Based in San Antonio, Texas, SwRI spans over 1,500 acres, housing more than 2.4 million square feet of laboratories, testing facilities, workshops, and offices. SwRI has gained national attention working with NASA, specifically on the New Horizon mission to Pluto, and with a team of over 3,100 employees, the Institute performs contract work for both government and industrial clients in various domains.



What are we looking at?

This exhibit showcases the SwRI Autonomous Vehicle, a vehicle capable of driving on its own without the need of any human interference. The vehicle utilizes advanced technology, including machine learning, to navigate and make decisions similar to that of a human driver. Through machine learning, the vehicle “learns” how to recognize and respond to various objects and all different types of situations on the road by processing large amounts of data from its sensor and cameras.



Why is it important to achieve autonomous driving?
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Autonomous Driving (AD) systems have the potential to create significant value for drivers, the auto industry, and society. For drivers, AD could make driving safer, more convenient, and enjoyable by allowing them to use their time on the road for other activities, like working, or having video call meetings. For employees with long commutes, this could enhance productivity and even reduce the workday, while also making it easier to live farther from the office, potentially encouraging people to move to rural areas or suburbs. Additionally, AD could potentially help reduce traffic congestion by improving driving patterns and optimizing traffic flow. AD could also improve mobility for elderly individuals or those who are disabled, providing more transportation options beyond public transit or car-sharing. Furthermore, as advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) become more widespread, safety could improve, with estimates suggesting a 15% reduction in accidents by 2030 in Europe. After all, safety is indeed the main priority when establishing autonomous driving.


For the auto industry, AD systems offer substantial revenue potential. Autonomous trucks could significantly improve the efficiency of freight transportation. By operating 24/7 without the need for rest breaks, autonomous trucks can reduce downtime and increase delivery speed. This could lower costs for logistics companies and improve the overall supply chain by allowing goods to be transported more quickly and at a reduced cost. The demand for autonomous driving (AD) features is rapidly increasing, with consumers eager to embrace these innovations. AD systems, particularly those with lidar-based technology, are gaining significant attention in the market, with automakers responding to growing consumer interest and market opportunities. As the technology behind AD systems continues to evolve, there will be a growing need for skilled computer and software engineers to develop and refine these systems. This expansion will create new job opportunities in fields like machine learning, data analytics, and embedded software engineering. By 2035, AD and advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) are expected to generate substantial revenue in the passenger car sector.








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