Automated Foreign Object Detection on Runways
It is a system to detect the FODs (Foreign Object Debris) on the surface of Runways. It also detects other anomalies like wildlife, snow, ice pavement cracks, etc. that can cause serious damage to the aircraft, delay or cancellation of flights and can also lead to accidents. FODs cost the av
2025-06-28 16:30:22 - Adil Khan
Automated Foreign Object Detection on Runways
Project Area of Specialization Artificial IntelligenceProject SummaryIt is a system to detect the FODs (Foreign Object Debris) on the surface of Runways.
It also detects other anomalies like wildlife, snow, ice pavement cracks, etc. that can cause serious damage to the aircraft, delay or cancellation of flights and can also lead to accidents. FODs cost the aviation industry billions of dollars every year.
In the past couple of years, an immense number of airplane accidents have been observed due to FODs. Keeping the financial and efficiency constraints of the repair of damaged aircraft in view, it is the most pertinent need of the hour.
It uses high-resolution cameras mounted on towers alongside the runway to detect FODs in any weather condition using salient Artificial Intelligence techniques to make it more captivating and cost-effective. The detected object is instantly reported to the airport staff.
Project ObjectivesTo make a working setup that can effectively detect, classify, navigate, and report any FOD and Cracks on the surface of the runway to prevent any hazard.
Furthermore, the project is based on the prevention of aircraft from any wildlife on the premises of runway that prevent severe implications of being injured and casualties of passengers and staff on the ground. The project will further mitigate the chances of flight delays due to FODs on the runway.
The system works in real-time and detects the smallest objects on the runway surface in any weather conditions such as rain, fog, smog, sunlight, low light, etc. High-resolution cameras mounted at the sides of the runway capture the images. FODs are detected and classified with high accuracy using state-of-the artificial intelligence techniques and instantly reported to the airport staff.
It is a solution that offers a high accuracy FOD detection performance with minimal false positives. The system is powered by state-of-the-art artificial intelligence algorithms superior to human-level performance.
Other undesired anomalies such as snow, ice, pavement cracks, accumulation areas on the pavement, and wildlife are also detected, and the size and location of the object are also estimated with high accuracy. A laser sensor marks the location of FOD for its removal.
Historical logs are created for investigation and prevention from these activities in the future.
Benefits of the ProjectWith the tremendous advancement in technology, the development and digitization of the developing countries are somehow becoming analogous to the evolution of the said sectors in the developed countries however aviation is one of the very few sectors that developing countries are finding it hard to advance in due to the economic and logistic constraints. So for these countries, there is a dire need for efficient solutions for preventing any financial gust to their existing systems and efficient and cost-effective plans for gradual advancement also.
There are quite are a few incidents in the past due to FODs that have cost millions of dollars in damages, and such incidents can impair the functioning and halt advancement plans of the aviation sector of both developed and developing countries. Therefore, an Artificial Intelligence-based cost-effective and time-efficient "Automated Foreign Object Detection on Runway" is the need of the hour.
The project will prevent aircraft from any mishap and thus prevents any injuries or casualties. The project is targeted for the safety of passengers, aircraft, and ground staff. It will also save millions of dollars for the aviation industry that are spent on repairing damaged aircraft. Besides this, it will eliminate any flight delays and cancellations that happen due to the presence of FODs on Runways.
Technical Details of Final DeliverableThe Final Project will be a working model which will have the following features:
- Detect the FODs
- Detect pavement cracks (/accumulation areas*)
- Detect wildlife eg. Birds, Dogs, Cats, etc.
- Detect snow/ice*
- Classification of objects material (eg. metallic, rubber, plastic, paper, etc.)*
- Size of objects
- Location of objects (depth estimation). A laser will mark the location of objects
- Report to airport staff
- It will work in any weather condition eg. sunlight, low light, fog, smog, rain, etc.
- It should not interfere with the airport equipment and airplanes
- Real-Time
- Create historical logs*
*Optional features
Final Deliverable of the Project HW/SW integrated systemCore Industry ITOther Industries Transportation , Others , Security Core Technology Artificial Intelligence(AI)Other Technologies Internet of Things (IoT), OthersSustainable Development Goals Good Health and Well-Being for People, Decent Work and Economic Growth, Industry, Innovation and InfrastructureRequired Resources| Item Name | Type | No. of Units | Per Unit Cost (in Rs) | Total (in Rs) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total in (Rs) | 79800 | |||
| Camera | Equipment | 1 | 45000 | 45000 |
| Rasberry Pi 4 (4GB) | Equipment | 1 | 14800 | 14800 |
| SD card | Equipment | 2 | 1500 | 3000 |
| Display | Equipment | 1 | 7000 | 7000 |
| Printing | Miscellaneous | 1 | 1000 | 1000 |
| Cables and Wires for Prototype | Miscellaneous | 1 | 2000 | 2000 |
| Overheads for installation of poles at airport | Miscellaneous | 1 | 7000 | 7000 |