Sandia and Aeva evaluate intrusion detection system

SNL recently completed the initial evaluation phase of the company’s 4D lidar technology. The lab will now proceed to test the technology at a reactor site for its ability to enhance security by detecting potential intrusions in perimeter areas, including water intakes.

4D lidar: The 4D lidar system is a GPS-free, high-resolution sensor system that is based on Aeva’s Atlas sensor, which can measure the velocity and direction of detected points and provide tracking of the movement of objects within their surroundings. The technology can have a range of applications, from navigation in automated transportation to monitoring of industrial processes, according to the company.

Aeva said that the sensors can “deliver ’round-the-clock operational capabilities.” They reportedly can function in darkness, glare, sunlight, fog, rain, and dusty conditions.

Constant innovation: J. R. Russell, an engineer and researcher at Sandia who focuses on the design and evaluation of intrusion detection systems, commented on the lab’s collaboration with Aeva: “Supporting the security of nuclear reactor infrastructure requires constant innovation. Aeva’s 4D lidar gives us a new tool to detect potential threats in challenging environments where traditional sensors often fall short.”

Milestone: Following completion of the initial evaluation phase of 4D lidar, James Reuther, chief engineer at Aeva, said, “We’re entering the next phase with the testing of our industry-leading lidar to help secure nuclear sites. 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.”