Automation Dashboard

This site is a living database of automation startups and technologies in airports, powered by Gharage, a vision hub exploring the future of the travel and travel retail industries.

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HAMBURG, DE

21:08:04

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AirTrek Robotics

Airtrek Robotics develops autonomous robotics solutions that automate labor-intensive airfield ground operations and safety tasks using AI, computer vision, and real-time analytics. The company focuses on transforming critical aviation processes such as foreign object debris (FOD) detection and removal to improve runway safety, reduce manual workload, and enhance operational reliability within high-traffic airport environments.

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TECH MATURITY

3/5

RELEVANCE

2/5

/METRICS

TECH MATURITY

3/5

RELEVANCE

2/5

/INFORMATION

COUNTRY

USA

FUNDING STAGE

Seed

KEY OFFERINGS

Airtrek Robotics builds autonomous ground robots designed to patrol and inspect airside surfaces using AI-enabled sensors and computer vision. These robots continuously scan runways, taxiways, and aprons to detect foreign object debris, classify debris types, generate risk alerts, and assist with removal tasks. Key features include real-time FOD detection, autonomous navigation across complex airfield surfaces, integration with airport safety reporting systems, and data analytics that help operations teams identify patterns and proactively manage risk.

/INFORMATION

COUNTRY

USA

FUNDING STAGE

Seed

KEY OFFERINGS

Airtrek Robotics builds autonomous ground robots designed to patrol and inspect airside surfaces using AI-enabled sensors and computer vision. These robots continuously scan runways, taxiways, and aprons to detect foreign object debris, classify debris types, generate risk alerts, and assist with removal tasks. Key features include real-time FOD detection, autonomous navigation across complex airfield surfaces, integration with airport safety reporting systems, and data analytics that help operations teams identify patterns and proactively manage risk.

/CASE STUDY

At Gerald R. Ford International Airport, Airtrek Robotics deployed its autonomous runway inspection robot as part of a field test under the Ford Launchpad for Innovative Technologies and Entrepreneurship (FLITE) program in partnership with Southwest Airlines and airport operators. In this pilot, the robot autonomously monitored the tarmac for foreign object debris (FOD), identifying pieces of loose debris such as bolts and plastic fragments and alerting operations teams to potential hazards. The deployment demonstrated how the robot can operate in a real airport environment to support safer ground operations by continuously scanning and reporting debris risks, reducing dependence on manual FOD walks and improving overall runway safety.

/CASE STUDY

At Gerald R. Ford International Airport, Airtrek Robotics deployed its autonomous runway inspection robot as part of a field test under the Ford Launchpad for Innovative Technologies and Entrepreneurship (FLITE) program in partnership with Southwest Airlines and airport operators. In this pilot, the robot autonomously monitored the tarmac for foreign object debris (FOD), identifying pieces of loose debris such as bolts and plastic fragments and alerting operations teams to potential hazards. The deployment demonstrated how the robot can operate in a real airport environment to support safer ground operations by continuously scanning and reporting debris risks, reducing dependence on manual FOD walks and improving overall runway safety.