Runways are the heart of an airport. If there is damage to the asphalt or if the passage of time wears down the lane markings, the consequences can be severe, just like losing a screw or a piece of metal. Therefore, runways must be checked regularly. What has long been time-consuming and labor-intensive could soon be done quickly and automatically through the combined use of drones and AI software.

The larger and more complex an industrial or infrastructure facility is, the harder it is to keep the entire system operational. Many see strong potential in using innovative technologies in these scenarios. To support the development of tailored solutions in this area, the FLITE initiative (Ford Launchpad for Innovative Technologies and Entrepreneurship) was launched at the Gerald R. Ford International Airport in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

The combination of drone-based data collection and AI-driven evaluation offers tremendous potential for the future

This innovation platform supports startups and tech companies not only financially but also enables them to test innovative concepts and products under real airport conditions. With over 4.3 million passengers per year, Michigan’s second-largest airport is a major hub in the northeastern United States and has become a testing ground for future technologies beyond this project.