Revolutionizing FOD Detection Systems: How Autonomous Robots Are Transforming Airfield Safety and Efficiency

Foreign Object Debris (FOD) remains a persistent hazard in aviation, jeopardizing aircraft safety and driving up operational costs. Under 14 CFR Part 139, certificated airports are mandated to develop and maintain a formal FOD prevention plan as part of their Safety Management System (SMS). This regulatory framework obligates airport operators to ensure daily inspections of airside areas—particularly runways, taxiways, and aprons—to identify and mitigate risks associated with FOD.

While airport-wide FOD responsibility is shared, the burden of daily execution falls on airport operations staff. These teams typically perform three full FOD inspections per day, each lasting up to 90–120 minutes depending on the runway length, aircraft activity, and environmental conditions. During high-traffic periods or severe weather, ad-hoc inspections may also be required to maintain compliance and ensure safety.

Despite these rigorous efforts, FOD incidents still account for an estimated $22.7 billion in annual damages globally. This includes not only direct costs—such as engine damage and tire replacements—but also indirect consequences like flight delays, missed connections, cancellations, and reputational damage to operators. With over 15.7 million IFR flights handled by U.S. controllers in FY2023 alone, the potential for even a single undetected debris item to disrupt operations is enormous.

So, the question remains: Is manual inspection sustainable or scalable in a high-demand airfield environment?

Enter Airtrek’s autonomous FOD detection and removal solution—a game-changer for airport operations.

From Reactive to Proactive: Airtrek’s Robotic Revolution

Airtrek’s platform leverages AI-powered computer vision, autonomous ground robotics, and real-time analytics to deliver 24/7 FOD detection and mitigation. Instead of relying solely on manually scheduled inspections, the system provides continuous surveillance of airside surfaces, automatically detecting and removing debris in real-time—even during peak operational hours or inclement weather.

These autonomous robots are designed to safely navigate runways, taxiways, and aprons, using a combination of radar, LiDAR, and high-definition imaging to locate debris ranging from metallic fragments to plastic wrappers and wildlife remnants. Integration with the airport’s SMS and NOTAM systems ensures automatic logging, risk classification, and compliance tracking—reducing human error and increasing reporting accuracy.

Benefits That Go Beyond Safety

1. Operational Efficiency: By automating routine inspections, operations teams can reallocate resources toward high-value tasks, such as safety audits and emergency response.

2. Cost Reduction: FAA research shows that FOD detection systems can offer a $15.4 million return on investment within three years by reducing repair costs, minimizing delays, and mitigating safety incidents.

3. Regulatory Compliance: Airtrek’s system supports airports in fulfilling Part 139 inspection and documentation requirements, including daily and special inspections, continuous surveillance, and recordkeeping mandates.

4. Environmental Impact: By minimizing unnecessary ground vehicle activity and flight delays, airports reduce fuel consumption and associated CO₂ emissions.

5. Safety Culture Enhancement: Real-time alerts and historical data empower staff and tenants to recognize recurring FOD sources and adopt targeted preventive measures, aligning with ICAO and FAA best practices.

   
   

FOD Detection Systems: Looking Ahead

As the FAA and ICAO push for smarter, risk-based safety management programs, autonomous FOD solutions like Airtrek’s are not just a technological upgrade—they’re an operational necessity. In a post-COVID world defined by labor shortages and financial pressures, automation provides both a safety net and a force multiplier for airport operators.

Ready to see the future of FOD management in action? Stay tuned—we’re just getting started.