Skylark Labs deployed an AI-driven fixed FOD detection system at an Indian Air Station, positioning cameras along runways and taxiways for continuous, automated debris identification that keeps aircraft and personnel safe around the clock.
Even small debris on a runway can cause catastrophic engine damage or tire failure. Foreign Object Debris (FOD) poses one of the most persistent risks to military and commercial aviation operations, with the industry spending billions annually on FOD-related damage.
Metal fragments, wildlife, tools, and loose aircraft hardware all pose distinct threats. Ingested FOD can destroy turbine blades or puncture tires during critical flight phases, grounding aircraft and disrupting sortie schedules. Manual walks and visual checks miss small objects and cannot operate around the clock, leaving dangerous coverage gaps during the hours when defense operations demand continuous readiness.
"Fixed FOD detection gives air stations continuous situational awareness on their runways, closing the gap that manual inspections leave open."
Permanently installed cameras paired with self-learning AI provide 24/7 automated debris detection across the full airfield surface. The system leverages Sentinel AI Camera technology for strategic camera placement that covers runways, taxiways, and aprons with overlapping fields of view.
Real-time AI analysis classifies debris type and size within seconds of detection, while advanced sensor fusion techniques improve accuracy across varying weather and lighting conditions. Detection models improve over time as the system encounters new debris patterns through continuous learning.
Instant Alerts: Ground crews receive immediate notifications with precise FOD location coordinates, enabling rapid clearance that keeps sortie schedules on track. The system integrates with Synapse AI Box for edge processing, ensuring zero-latency alerts even without cloud connectivity.
Automated detection significantly reduces FOD-related damage events, translating directly into higher mission readiness. Rapid debris clearance keeps sortie schedules on track, while early identification prevents expensive engine and airframe damage that can cost millions per incident.
Continuous monitoring preserves airstrip integrity around the clock, providing a level of coverage that manual inspection simply cannot match. The system has been validated at operational air stations where it maintains consistent performance across day, night, fog, and rain conditions.
Fixed FOD detection eliminates the coverage gaps inherent in manual inspection, providing air stations with always-on runway safety. Skylark Labs' system combines self-learning AI with strategic camera placement to set a new standard for military airfield operations, and the platform is designed to scale across multiple airfields with centralized monitoring through Kepler for unified situational awareness.
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