That quiet hum is coming from what looks like a small van with lights and cameras.
The Airtrek Robotics autonomous robot is designed to enhance airport ramp safety by monitoring the tarmac for Foreign Object Debris, warning operations teams about potentially dangerous ground hazards.
“We picked up zipper pulls, bolts and small things all the way up to plastic bottles.”
Chris Lee, co-founder and CEO of Airtrek, says data can be gathered about what debris is found where to determine patterns.
“You can identify the source of the debris and then either remove it or place additional layers of preventative maintenance actions on top of it.”
The demonstration is part of a program supported by the state, Southwest Airlines, and other partners called FLITE which provides grants and testing opportunities to companies focusing on technology solutions for air travel.
Lee says there’s nothing else like the program and the live environment testing is invaluable.
“This is actually a huge opportunity for us. It’s a huge risk for an airport to take. I was wondering if there were any other airports in the world who would do this type of testing, but this airport is doing it.”
Lee views the Ford Airport as more of a development partner than just a potential customer as Airtrek continues to develop the robot and commercialize it for sale in the future.
