US-based Rockwell Automation has been selected by start-up Aalo Atomics as the official control platform provider for its Aalo-X test reactor, which aims to power modern AI data centres using modular nuclear plants. Rockwell Automation brings global-scale digital transformation expertise to the partnership while Aalo Atomics focuses on scalable, zero-emission nuclear power.
The announcement comes two weeks after the Aalo X critical test reactor (CTR) achieved criticality to become the fourth reactor to meet the 4 July deadline outlined in President Trump’s May 2025 Executive Order (EO) 14301, Reforming Nuclear Reactor Testing at the Department of Energy.
Rockwell is contributing its proprietary ControlLogix platform alongside a comprehensive suite of integrated control and information solutions to serve as the core digital infrastructure for the CTR. Rockwell will provides its hardware and software architecture to directly manage live reactor operations and guarantee extreme system reliability.
The platform implements a single, common digital framework across all distinct reactor subsystems. This eliminates data silos between mechanical and electrical plant components. Engineers will use Rockwell’s information solutions to capture high-fidelity operational data during live test phases. The system allows for real-time benchmarking, helping engineers refine reactor system performance and validate iterative design changes safely. Rockwell’s tools cover the entire lifecycle, de-risking the transition from initial digital modelling to active, full-power operations.
Rockwell manages the digital software and automation orchestration, allowing Aalo Atomics to focus entirely on core reactor physics, safety parameters, and modular factory engineering. The deployment of proven, industrial-grade control hardware assists Aalo in navigating the rigorous validation and authorisation pathways required by the Department of Energy (DOE) Reactor Pilot Program.
The control platform is designed to offer scalable and reliable automation for Aalo-X, which serves as a test reactor for validating modular nuclear technologies before commercial deployment. Advanced control systems are increasingly becoming a critical part of next-generation reactors, helping operators monitor plant conditions, automate processes and maintain consistent performance during testing and operation.
It will also provide a common automation architecture across reactor systems, allowing engineers to collect operational data, refine system performance and validate design changes during testing. Such feedback is expected to support future commercial reactor deployments while reducing development risks.
“This collaboration highlights the growing need for proven industrial control systems to enable new energy technologies at scale,” said Brian Holte, Vice President for Global Industry Sales at Rockwell Automation. “By supporting Aalo’s path to first criticality, we’re demonstrating how flexible, resilient platforms can accelerate the commercialisation of advanced reactor designs.”
Yasir Arafat, President & CTO, Aalo Atomics noted: “Rockwell brings deep expertise in mission-critical control systems that are essential for achieving our accelerated program milestones. Having a trusted automation partner is key to executing safely and efficiently and will help us pave the way towards commercial power.”
