Active FOD Removal for Airports That Can't Afford to Miss What's on the Runway.
FODBOT is the only autonomous debris detection and removal system built and priced for GA and non-hub airports — continuous, documented, and designed to support your crew.
$22.7B
Annual global FOD losses
ICAO / industry estimates
2,500+
Target U.S. GA & non-hub airports
FAA Airport Data
78%
Survey respondents were decision-makers or influencers
FODBOT Airport Survey, 2026
60%+
Open to participating in a pilot program
FODBOT Airport Survey, 2026
$10K–$25K
Realistic annual budget cited by operators
FODBOT Airport Survey, 2026
Manual inspections can't keep pace with the runway.
FOD remains one of aviation's most persistent and preventable safety threats. For small and mid-sized airports, the challenge isn't awareness — it's operational reality. There aren't enough hours or crew members to run consistent, documented inspections at the frequency the risk demands.
Enterprise solutions exist for major hubs. For the 2,500+ GA and non-hub airports that form the backbone of U.S. aviation infrastructure, there has been no affordable, active-removal option. Until now.
“Consistent autonomous FOD removal that works at night with minimal operator interaction. Does not cause damage to lighting.”
— Airport Manager, FODBOT Airport Survey 2026
Manual Inspections Are Labor-Intensive
Walk-down and vehicle inspections require dedicated crew time every shift. Survey respondents rated labor intensity as the highest pain point in their current FOD process.
Passive Detection Doesn't Remove Debris
Camera-based detection systems flag debris locations but leave removal to staff. A robot that detects but doesn't remove shifts the burden rather than solving it.
Enterprise Systems Are Out of Reach
Six-figure airport automation systems are designed and priced for large commercial hubs. Most GA and municipal airports have no viable alternative — until now.
Missed Debris Creates Real Liability
A single FOD event can cause aircraft damage, emergency closures, insurance claims, and reputational harm. Inconsistent inspections create compounding exposure over time.
Active removal changes the equation.
Detection without removal is only half the solution. FODBOT combines sensor-driven identification with physical debris collection — at a price point GA airports can actually justify.
| Capability | Manual Inspection | Passive Detection | Enterprise System | FODBOTOUR SYSTEM |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Active debris removal | ||||
| Autonomous operation | ||||
| Priced for GA airports | ||||
| Audit-ready inspection logs | ||||
| Multi-modal collection | Partial | |||
| ADS-B aircraft awareness | Varies | |||
| 30-day pilot available | ||||
| No major infrastructure required |
System capabilities vary by configuration. This table reflects general positioning of each category.
Built for the runway. Every system matters.
FODBOT integrates detection, removal, navigation, and documentation into a single autonomous platform — designed for active airfield operations at facilities with lean crews and real safety obligations.
Multi-Modal Debris Collection
Combines a wide-span front sweeping system with vacuum pickup and magnetic collection — designed to handle screws, bolts, gravel, tire fragments, and general surface debris.
360° LiDAR + Optical Sensor Suite
Solid-state LiDAR and high-resolution optical cameras detect and classify debris in real time across the full sweep width, day or night.
RTK-GPS Autonomous Pathing
Centimeter-accurate positioning drives systematic runway and taxiway coverage patterns. No GPS gaps, no missed corridors.
ADS-B + Airfield Radio Integration
Monitors live airfield traffic via ADS-B and VHF scanning. FODBOT yields right-of-way and holds position when aircraft are detected in the operating zone.
Automated Inspection Logging
Every run generates a timestamped, geo-referenced log of coverage area, detected items, and removal actions — ready for SMS documentation, audits, and regulatory records.
Autonomous Return & Self-Charging
FODBOT returns to base for autonomous charging between inspection cycles, minimizing operator involvement and supporting true set-and-forget operation.
Designed for Operational Compatibility
Built to operate alongside existing crew workflows without runway closures or major infrastructure changes. Supports your team rather than replacing standard safety procedures.
Modular & Scalable Architecture
Configurable coverage width and sensor payloads. Scale from a single runway unit to multi-runway deployment as operational needs grow.
Designed for the people who own runway safety.
Airport Management & Executives
Reduce liability exposure and operational cost.
FODBOT shifts FOD inspection from a recurring labor cost to a documented, autonomous process. Leasing or subscription models let you align spend with operating budgets — no large capital outlay.
- Operational spend framing — lease or subscribe
- Audit-ready documentation for insurance and regulators
- Scalable from single to multi-runway deployment
Operations & Maintenance Teams
Free your crew for higher-value work.
FODBOT handles the routine sweep and log cycle so your team can focus on inspections that require human judgment. It integrates with existing shift patterns and requires minimal daily interaction.
- Set-and-forget daily operation
- No major training burden
- Supports, not replaces, crew walk-downs
Safety & SMS Officers
Consistent coverage. Verifiable records.
Every FODBOT run produces a geo-referenced inspection log your SMS program can use. Replace subjective walk-down notes with machine-generated, timestamped documentation.
- Timestamped geo-referenced inspection records
- Consistent detection regardless of crew fatigue or shift gaps
- Supports FAA SMS documentation requirements
See FODBOT in Action
Watch FODBOT operate on an active airfield surface — from initial deployment and sensor activation through full runway sweep and debris collection cycle.
- Active debris collection demonstrated on runway surface
- Sensor suite and autonomous navigation in operation
- ADS-B hold response to simulated aircraft approach
- Inspection log output and coverage visualization
The 30-Day FODBOT Pilot
We deploy, you evaluate. No long-term commitment required during the pilot period.
FODBOT's pilot-first deployment model is designed for airports that need to see performance before committing. We provide the hardware, setup support, and technical guidance. You run the scorecard.
What You Get
- Full FODBOT unit deployed to your facility
- Dedicated setup and onboarding support
- Access to inspection logs and data dashboard
- Weekly check-ins with the FODBOT technical team
- Pilot results report at the end of the 30 days
Coverage Rate
What percentage of the declared inspection area did FODBOT complete each cycle?
Alert Precision
How accurately did the system detect and flag real debris versus false positives?
Response Time Impact
Did FODBOT reduce the time between inspection cycles compared to manual methods?
Operator Burden
How much crew time was required to support and monitor FODBOT per shift?
Log Quality
Were the generated inspection logs usable, complete, and SMS-compatible?
Pricing built for operational budgets.
No enterprise six-figure commitment required. Choose the model that fits your budget cycle — subscribe, lease, or own outright.
Monthly Subscription
Municipal & GA airports with tight capital budgets
Ideal for operators who prefer predictable operating expense and want to start with minimum upfront commitment.
- Full FODBOT unit access
- Firmware updates included
- Remote monitoring support
- Inspection log access
- Standard SLA response
Annual Lease
Airports evaluating multi-year deployment planning
Our most popular model. Structured as an operational expense with the flexibility to reassess each term.
- Full FODBOT unit access
- Firmware updates included
- Dedicated account support
- Inspection log access
- Priority SLA response
- Lease-to-own pathway available
One-Time Purchase
Private aviation facilities and longer-horizon operators
Full ownership for operators who prefer capital acquisition or have access to equipment grant funding.
- Permanent unit ownership
- First-year firmware updates
- First-year remote support
- Inspection log access
- Hardware warranty
- Optional extended support plans
All pricing is indicative. Final quotes depend on facility size and configuration. Lease-to-own options available on annual plans.
Estimate your operational savings.
Adjust the inputs below to see a directional estimate of how FODBOT could reduce your inspection labor burden. This is a planning tool — not an audited financial projection.
Estimated Annual Labor Savings
$19,929
Based on FODBOT handling ~65% of routine sweep labor
Annual Inspection Labor
$30,660
current estimated spend
FODBOT Annual Lease
$4,500
annual plan
Net Annual Benefit
$15,429
directional estimate
Inspection Hours / Year
1,095
crew hours committed
This calculator provides directional estimates only and does not account for all operational variables. Actual results vary by facility. Figures do not include potential avoided-damage savings or reduced liability exposure from improved FOD management.
Safety-first isn't a tagline. It's the design spec.
Deploying autonomous equipment on active airfields requires a rigorous approach to operational safety. Here's how FODBOT earns its place on the runway.
Pursuing FAA/ICAO-Aligned Safety Pathway
FODBOT is designed in accordance with airfield operational compatibility principles. Our safety certification pathway is active and will be communicated transparently as it advances.
Supports Crews. Doesn't Replace Them.
FODBOT handles the autonomous sweep-and-log cycle. Your crew maintains oversight and continues performing inspections that require human judgment. We augment, not substitute.
Pilot-First Validation
Every FODBOT deployment begins with a structured 30-day pilot. You evaluate performance against five measurable scorecard metrics before making any long-term commitment.
Audit-Ready Documentation
Every run generates a geo-referenced, timestamped inspection log compatible with FAA SMS documentation requirements and general airfield record-keeping standards.
Designed for Operational Compatibility
FODBOT integrates ADS-B and airfield radio scanning to operate safely around aircraft. Operational windows and hold parameters are coordinated with your ops team.
Put FODBOT on your runway for 30 days.
The pilot program is the lowest-risk way to evaluate autonomous FOD removal at your facility. We handle setup. You run the scorecard. No long-term commitment required.