Berlin Brandenburg Airport is testing a battery-powered robotic vehicle designed to detect foreign object debris and inspect airfield infrastructure as the airport evaluates the potential for autonomous technology in airside operations.

The vehicle, called Roboxi, has been operating at BER since mid-August as part of a four-month trial. BER says it is the first German airport to test the technology during live operations.

Roboxi uses artificial intelligence and onboard sensors to detect foreign objects such as screws, stones, plastic waste and pieces of asphalt that could damage aircraft engines or tires. The vehicle also can collect detected debris.

In addition to FOD detection, Roboxi uses 3D laser scanning to inspect runway and taxiway surfaces and identify infrastructure issues, including defective in-pavement lighting.

The battery-powered vehicle weighs approximately 1,400 kilograms and measures 3.82 meters long. It can travel at speeds of up to 60 km/h.

During the BER trial, Roboxi is operating at Level 3 autonomy, meaning its movements are monitored and the vehicle can be remotely controlled from an operator station in the airport terminal.

The airport is evaluating whether the technology could supplement the work of follow-me vehicle drivers, who currently perform regular airfield inspections, rather than replace them.

The four-month trial is scheduled to continue through October. BER will then evaluate the results, focusing on the technology's ability to support apron processes, improve operational efficiency and enhance safety through earlier detection of potential hazards.

Foreign object debris remains a significant safety and cost concern for airports and airlines. BER estimates that FOD-related aircraft damage costs the aviation industry billions of euros worldwide each year.