Discover LLNL’s Autonomous Sensors program in the latest episode of the Big Ideas Lab podcast

When disaster strikes, every second counts, but sometimes the danger is too great for humans to go first. From mapping terrain to reaching deep underground to detect hidden threats and abandoned wells, unmanned systems equipped with advanced sensors are changing how we respond to crises.

Across land, air and sea, drones can act as one coordinated force to increase the chances of security and survival in time-sensitive scenarios. Researchers in Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory’s Autonomous Sensors program are developing the autonomous drones, vehicles and robots of the future. Discover the science behind this cutting-edge technology in the latest episode of the Big Ideas Lab podcast, available on Apple and Spotify.

Before a drone can act, it must understand its surroundings, and that’s where LLNL’s advanced sensors, often developed in-house, make the difference.

“Every day we're tackling problems that haven't been solved before, which is exciting,” said LLNL mechanical engineer James Reimer.

Tools like the Lab’s custom ground radar enable detection of metallic objects deep underground, while Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) sensors generate detailed 3D maps of terrain using laser pulses. These technologies give drones the critical awareness needed to operate safely and effectively in challenging conditions.

As the scale and complexity of an operation grows, relying on individual drones often isn’t enough. The team received the Federal Aviation Administration’s authorization to conduct drone swarm operations, communicating with each other to course-correct and accomplish a joint mission. Together, a swarm can cover more ground, share data and adapt to changing conditions as a unified force.

Coordinating dozens, or even hundreds of drones, brings unique challenges, as unexpected behaviors can emerge from the complexity of their interactions. Managing this emergent behavior is essential to ensure every drone contributes effectively to the mission, especially when conditions are unpredictable and time is critical.

The Autonomous Sensors program operates with remarkable agility to overcome these hurdles, testing early and integrating rapidly. With its own machine shop and a wide variety of science and engineering skillsets, the team puts the drone systems together end-to-end.

“We can design it, we build it, we go out, we test it, we break it somewhat intentionally,” said Brian Wihl, associate program lead for LLNL's Autonomous Sensors program. “And then we come back and we do that all again.”

Meet the innovators behind this transformation in the Big Ideas Lab podcast episode: Drones. Hear more on Apple and Spotify.