Aeva Technologies Expands Industrial Sensing Reach Through SICK FMCW Technology Integration

Aeva Technologies announced on June 3 that it is strengthening its presence in industrial sensing through an expanded collaboration with SICK, a global provider of sensor-based automation solutions. Under the expansion, SICK will broaden its industrial sensing portfolio by incorporating Frequency Modulated Continuous Wave (FMCW) technology developed by Aeva. The move is expected to enhance measurement performance across industrial environments where traditional optical sensing technologies can face limitations in accuracy, reliability, and operating consistency.

Advanced FMCW Technology Enhances Industrial Measurement Performance

Aeva’s FMCW sensing architecture combines silicon-integrated photonics with advanced signal-processing capabilities to deliver highly accurate distance and velocity measurements over long ranges. The technology is designed to perform effectively even when measuring shiny, reflective, or metallic surfaces that can present challenges for conventional sensing solutions. By providing reliable measurement capabilities in demanding industrial conditions, the technology supports higher levels of precision across a broad range of automation and manufacturing applications.

Key Benefits of Aeva FMCW Sensing Technology

• Accurate long-range distance measurement capabilities
• Direct velocity measurement alongside distance detection
• Reliable operation on shiny and metallic surfaces
• Immunity to ambient light interference
• Elimination of sensor-to-sensor interference issues
• Stable performance on hot surfaces

The ability to directly measure both velocity and distance provides manufacturers with a more comprehensive understanding of moving objects and production processes. This capability enables greater measurement accuracy and operational reliability in applications where conventional optical sensing systems may struggle. As industrial automation continues to evolve, such sensing advancements can contribute to improved process control, efficiency, and safety.

How FMCW Technology Supports Industrial Automation

Industrial environments often require sensors capable of maintaining consistent performance despite challenging operating conditions. Aeva’s FMCW technology addresses these requirements by reducing susceptibility to ambient lighting conditions and eliminating interference that can occur when multiple sensors operate in close proximity. These characteristics make the technology particularly suitable for complex automation systems, robotics platforms, and precision manufacturing operations where dependable sensing is critical.

Applications of Aeva’s Perception Platform

Aeva continues to advance autonomy through its perception platform, which integrates lidar-on-chip technology, system-on-chip processing, and perception algorithms. The platform supports a wide range of applications, including automated driving, manufacturing automation, smart infrastructure, robotics, and consumer devices. By combining sensing hardware and perception intelligence, the company aims to deliver enhanced environmental awareness across multiple industries.

Aeva’s 4D LiDAR sensors are designed to detect both velocity and position simultaneously. This capability enables automated vehicles and robotic systems to make more informed and safer operational decisions by providing richer environmental data. As adoption of autonomous technologies expands, advanced perception systems are expected to play an increasingly important role in improving system intelligence, operational efficiency, and safety outcomes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is FMCW sensing technology and why is it important?
FMCW sensing technology enables simultaneous measurement of both distance and velocity with high accuracy across long ranges. Unlike many conventional optical sensing systems, it performs reliably in challenging environments involving reflective surfaces, ambient light exposure, sensor interference, and high-temperature conditions. These capabilities make FMCW technology valuable for industrial automation, manufacturing, robotics, and autonomous systems that require dependable and precise measurement performance for safe and efficient operation.

How will SICK benefit from integrating Aeva’s FMCW technology?
SICK will be able to expand its industrial sensing portfolio with advanced measurement capabilities that improve accuracy, reliability, and operational performance. By integrating Aeva’s FMCW technology, SICK can address demanding industrial applications that require precise distance and velocity detection. The technology’s resistance to interference and ability to operate effectively on reflective and hot surfaces provides additional advantages for automation environments where conventional sensing approaches may encounter performance limitations.