Safety
Sensors and AI Combine To Deal with Foreign Object Debris
FODetect system constantly scans for dangerous debris at airports
Xsight FODetect ground sensors
Xsight's FODetect technology uses a network of ground sensors to identify foreign object debris at airports.

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.