SOURCE: AFI
In a significant leap forward for India’s next-generation aerospace and defense (A&D) ecosystem, Delhi-based research and development startup Zoid Tech has announced a breakthrough achievement. Their cutting-edge AI-based Foreign Object Debris (FOD) Detection System has successfully cleared the Single Stage Composite Trials (SSCT) and earned acceptance for induction by the Indian Navy. This milestone underscores the growing prowess of Indian startups in delivering advanced, indigenous solutions to meet the nation’s defense needs while positioning India as a contender in the global A&D market.
The FOD Detection System, developed as part of the Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) initiative under the Indian government’s Make in India program, has undergone rigorous research and testing at INS Garuda, the Indian Navy’s premier air station in Kochi. INS Garuda, a hub for naval aviation training and operations, provided the ideal proving ground for Zoid Tech’s innovative technology, which promises to redefine how FOD—potentially hazardous debris on runways and operational areas—is detected and managed.
Foreign Object Debris poses a critical challenge to aviation safety, capable of causing severe damage to aircraft engines, tires, and other components if left undetected. Traditional methods of FOD detection often rely on manual inspections, which can be time-consuming and prone to human error. Zoid Tech’s solution, however, leverages artificial intelligence to automate the process, delivering real-time precision and scalability that sets it apart from conventional systems.
According to Zoid Tech, their AI-driven system can detect FOD as small as 3mm, a remarkable feat that highlights its sensitivity and accuracy. Beyond mere detection, the system provides operators with precise location data, size measurements, and high-quality imagery, enabling swift and informed decision-making. It is designed to handle high volumes and diverse classes of debris, making it adaptable to the complex operational environments of military airbases and naval stations. By automating what was once a labor-intensive task, Zoid Tech’s innovation enhances efficiency, reduces downtime, and bolsters safety—a trifecta of benefits for defense forces.
The success of Zoid Tech’s FOD Detection System is a testament to the power of collaboration between India’s startup ecosystem and its defense establishment. The iDEX initiative, launched by the Ministry of Defence, aims to foster innovation by connecting startups with the armed forces, providing funding, mentorship, and testing opportunities. Zoid Tech’s journey from concept to induction reflects the initiative’s goal of nurturing homegrown technologies that address critical operational needs.
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