Sandia National Laboratories Collaborates with Aeva to Strengthen Security at Nuclear Reactor

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Aeva, a leader in next-generation sensing and perception systems, announced that Sandia National Laboratories has completed its evaluation phase of Aeva’s 4D LiDAR technology. Following the previously announced selection of Aeva’s technology, Sandia is planning to test Aeva’s technology at a U.S. nuclear reactor site to evaluate its performance to enhance security and assess threat detection capabilities. These include for potential intrusions in the perimeter areas of the facility, such as water intakes that are important for safe reactor operation.

“Supporting the security of nuclear reactor infrastructure requires constant innovation,” said JR Russell, Distinguished Member of Technical Staff at Sandia National Laboratories. “Aeva’s 4D LiDAR gives us a new tool to detect potential threats in challenging environments where traditional sensors often fall short. Its ability to operate reliably in darkness, glare, and complex weather conditions makes it well-suited for our mission.”

Aeva’s 4D LiDAR was selected for its ability to detect hard-to-see waterborne objects, such as partially submerged or low-contrast intrusions, at distances up to 35 meters. Powered by Aeva’s proprietary Frequency Modulated Continuous Wave (FMCW) technology, the system provides precise 3D positioning with simultaneous velocity data, enabling faster more reliable threat identification.

Aeva’s sensors deliver round-the-clock operational capabilities. They function in complete darkness, through glare and sunlight, and in challenging weather conditions such as fog, rain, and dust—making them ideally suited for securing infrastructure sites.

“We’re pleased to be selected by Sandia following extensive evaluations. We’re entering the next phase with the testing of our industry-leading LiDAR to help secure nuclear sites,” said James Reuther, Chief Engineer at Aeva. “This marks a key milestone, not only for this program, but for the broader adoption of Aeva’s 4D LiDAR for use across infrastructure security including nuclear facilities, airports, and power plants nationwide.”

Aeva’s work with Sandia National Laboratories underscores the growing demand for advanced perception solutions in national security applications. As threats become more complex and conditions more variable, Aeva’s LiDAR-on-chip platform is enabling a new era of Physical AI for safeguarding essential assets.