Airport Runway FOD Automatic Detection and Removal System
FODRo II
This is an autonomous FOD detection/removal device and control system based on an electric vehicle platform that automatically detects/removes FOD (Foreign Object Debris), which is a foreign substance that can damage aircraft on airport runways, taxiways, and apron, and collects/manages FOD occurrence information.
Product Overview
Autonomous Systems
FODRo, an Airport Runway FOD Detection and Removal Platform
FODro is an autonomous FOD detection/removal device and control system based on an electric vehicle platform that automatically detects and removes FOD (Foreign Object Debris) on runways, runways, and apron areas at civilian and military airports.
Leveraging AI-based FOD detection technology utilizing multiple sensors, including multiple cameras and lidar, and a Level 4 autonomous driving platform, it manages runway safety 24/7 without human intervention.
Development Background and Necessity
- The dangers of FOD: Foreign Objects (FOD) can cause catastrophic damage, including engine and airframe failure, during aircraft takeoff and landing. This causes an estimated $13.9 billion in annual economic losses worldwide.
- Cultivating a smart military: The Navy and Air Force are mobilizing large numbers of troops before and after flights to conduct FOD detection and removal operations, necessitating the automation of tasks to improve military resource efficiency.
- Ensuring safety: Automatic FOD detection and removal, day and night, all weather, ensures aircraft safety and reduces maintenance costs.
Core Technologies
Level 4 Autonomous Driving System
Fully unmanned autonomous driving using high-precision GPS/GNSS location recognition and multi-sensor fusion. Automatic inspection of the entire runway area through AI-based route generation and optimization.
High-precision FOD Detection Sensors
Fusion of multiple cameras and lidar sensors detects over 95% of FOD over 3cm. Capable of day/night, all-weather detection.
AI-based FOD Identification Technology
Automatic classification of FOD types using deep learning object recognition algorithms. Improved small object detection accuracy using RFLA learning models and SAHI fine-tuning.
Automatic Collection Mechanism
Automatic removal of various types of FOD with an integrated magnetic bar, vacuum suction device, and cleaning brush. Loading capacity of over 500L.
What is Foreign Object Debris (FOD)?
Foreign objects that fall on runways, taxiways, and aprons
are potential threats that can hinder aircraft movement and cause fatal damage such as aircraft tire bursts and engine damage.
- Annual global economic losses of approximately $13.9 billion
- $5.2 billion in annual losses in the US alone (direct maintenance costs + indirect costs)
- Risk of safety accidents due to damage to aircraft engines and airframes
- Operational losses due to flight delays and suspensions
FODRo Composition
Key Features
- Day and night all-weather detection: 24-hour FOD detection possible with daytime and thermal imaging cameras.
- High-precision positioning: GPS/GNSS RTK technology provides centimeter-precise positioning.
- Real-time data transmission: Real-time monitoring of detection status via 5G/LTE communication.
- Automatic route optimization: Efficient runway inspection with AI-based route planning.
- Multi-FOD removal method: Triple removal system of magnetic bar, brush, and vacuum suction.
- Remote controllable: Real-time monitoring and remote control from the control station.
