The “Oscar of Innovation” goes to… R&D World Magazine recognized SwRI’s Laser Coating Removal (LCR) Robot and the System Performance and Real Time Analysis (SPARTA) software, with prestigious 2020 R&D 100 awards. Often called the “Oscars of Innovation,” the awards recognize the top 100 revolutionary technologies each year. Since 1971, SwRI has won 47 R&D 100 awards. The LCR Robot removes paint and coatings from aircraft, eliminating the need for costly, time-consuming and potentially hazardous manual removal. SwRI Engineer and Director Paul Evans discusses the robot’s impact on the aircraft industry. SPARTA software is on the frontlines of electronic warfare, protecting U.S. fighter jet crews. SwRI Staff Engineer Finley Hicks explains how the breakthrough software thoroughly tests critical safety systems.