Advancing Airport Safety: How Airports Can Join the Future of FOD Detection with AI
- Craig Metcalfe
- Mar 19
- 3 min read
Updated: May 22
Join the FODᴬᴵ Beta Program at No Cost to You
In Part 1, we covered how Foreign Object Debris (FOD) creates challenges for airports and how our AI-powered FODᴬᴵ system can help. Now, we’re inviting airports to join our Beta FODᴬᴵ program. You’ll test the system, give us feedback, and improve safety and efficiency on your airfield. Plus, you’ll get some solid perks for participating.
Here’s what you need to know about why it’s worth it and what’s involved.
Why Join the Beta FODᴬᴵ Program?
FOD on runways, taxiways, and aprons delays flights, damages planes, and risks safety. Current inspections rely on people spotting debris while driving, which can vary in consistency.
FODᴬᴵ uses AI and cameras to catch debris, both what humans see and more, and logs it automatically, saving you the hassle of manual data entry. Joining the Beta program lets you:
Test It Out: Mount FODᴬᴵ on your inspection vehicle and see it detect debris in real time. It records details like location and type, all stored in our InspectEx Cloud platform.
Low-Risk Opportunity to Test AI Use Cases: The Beta FODᴬᴵ system is fully operational from day one, ensuring a low deployment risk. The Beta program helps increase model accuracy and generalization while immediately providing valuable inspection and analysis capabilities.
Help Us Improve: Tell us what works and what doesn’t. Your input will help improve the hardware, software, and process to fit airport needs where appropriate.
Get a Deal: After the Beta, you’ll qualify for a buy-one-get-one-free subscription for the first year (hardware not included). If you help us build new inspection capabilities, we can talk revenue sharing too.
This isn’t just a demo. It’s a chance to solve a real problem with us. The setup’s fast, and it won’t mess up your day-to-day.
What’s Involved in Participating?
We built the Beta FODᴬᴵ program to fit your existing operations. Here’s the breakdown:
1. Easy Installation
Setup: Our team installs FODᴬᴵ on your inspection vehicle in 4 hours or less. It includes:
An RGB camera with GPS in a weatherproof case, bolted to a push bumper or similar (you supply that part).
A “Blue Box” (12” x 12” x 8”) with the AI and connectivity gear, stashed inside the vehicle.
A tablet in the console to run it.
Power: Pick one: a 110V portable power station (like a $300 Jackery Explorer) or a 12V DC hookup from your vehicle (your team wires it).
Upkeep: Almost none. Wipe the camera window if it gets grimy.
2. Testing It Out
How Often: Run FODᴬᴵ on regular inspections at least twice a week. If your vehicle has lights, test it day and night. It works in most weather, but heavy storms or heavy fog may affect performance.
How It Works: It’s simple:
Flip on the Blue Box and tablet.
Tap “Start” on the screen.
Drive your usual route—FODᴬᴵ spots and logs debris on its own.
Hit “Stop” when done and shut it down.
Check the Data: Have your ops and maintenance folks log into InspectEx Cloud (console.illuminex.ai) once a week. They’ll see debris locations, patterns, and other useful stats.
3. Working Together
Feedback: Talk to our team weekly or every other week. Share what’s good, what’s rough, and how we can make it better for you.
Timeline: The program lasts about 6 months—install and training up front, then a wrap-up to review results and plan next steps.
4. Costs and Your Role
We Handle: Shipping, hardware, setup, training, and data connection (via SIM card).
You Handle: The vehicle, power source, and staff to run FODᴬᴵ and check the data. Assign someone to coordinate with us.
No Pressure: FODᴬᴵ runs alongside your current process during the Beta. When it’s over, buy in or we’ll take it back—no hassle.
What’s the Payoff?
Joining means you’re testing a tool that could make FOD less of a problem. Early users see the value, and we want more airports to jump in. Got multiple sites? We can test at one or work across several—your call.
Ready to Start?
The Beta FODᴬᴵ program gives you a practical way to tackle FOD with AI. It’s low effort, high impact, and comes with a good deal if you stick with it. Let’s fix this together.
Spots are limited, so don’t wait!
