Contributing Writer

Arie Egozi

An Israeli company has introduced a novel approach to addressing the safety and financial risks posed by foreign object debris (FOD) at airports. Xsight’s FODetect system uses remote surface detection sensors and artificial intelligence to identify debris on paved surfaces such as loose hardware, broken pavement, building supplies, boulders, sand, luggage fragments, catering equipment, and wildlife.
In addition to runways, run-up pads, taxiways, cargo aprons, and terminal gates are among the locations where debris can be found. According to recent industry estimates, FOD-related damage at U.S. airports alone costs around $25 million per year. Globally, the direct and indirect costs of damage caused to aircraft and service interruptions are estimated to be about $23 billion annually.
"Xsight's multi-layered sensors continuously monitor the runway surface, automatically distinguish between FOD and wildlife, issue a recommended Runway Condition Code (RCC) in line with the ICAO GRF/FAA TALPA requirements, and provide live video of runway activities in all weather conditions, day and night," explained Xsight CEO Amir Leybov. He said the technology allows airports to maximize runway throughputs while ensuring safety.

According to Xsight, FODetect monitors runways continuously and can detect and classify FOD and assist in its rapid removal. The system is a part of RunWize, which is Xsight's automated runway operations solution. It is based on surface detection sensors installed along the runway.
“FODetect software and algorithms combine image processing technology with radar sensors to detect any change along the runway," Leybov explained. Each sensor scans its predetermined sector between airplane movements within 60 seconds, allowing the entire runway to be scanned during that time.
The FODetect surface detection units are spaced along both sides of the runway at intervals of around 200 feet to allow overlapping full coverage. This, Leybov told AIN, achieves full redundancy, ensuring comprehensive coverage even in the case of an individual sensor failure. Continuous automated monitoring of the runway ensures that FOD, such as stones, bolts, and burst tires, will not pose a risk to aircraft operations.
The FAA requires that an FOD detection system can identify objects as small as 25 mm. “I can say that our system identifies objects that are much smaller," he stated, adding that the technology combines inputs from radar and optical sensors to avoid false alerts.
According to Leybov, 45% of debris found on runways comes from aircraft taking off and landing. FODetect is connected to the airport’s operational systems via datalinks to be able to identify the debris and the specific aircraft from which it originated.
Early use cases for the technology include Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, as well as airports in Thailand, Qatar, and China (Beijing).

News and information on safety procedures and concerns.

Xsight Combines Sensors and AI To Deal with Foreign Object Debris

FODetect system constantly scans for dangerous debris at airports

Xsight has combined surface detection technology and artificial intelligence to more effectively identify foreign object debris on runways and taxiways.

Sensors and AI Combine To Deal with Foreign Object Debris

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