Robot "Coyotes" to Patrol Fairbanks International Airport Runways

Innovative wildlife management comes to Fairbanks International Airport (FAI) in Alaska, where robotic "coyotes" will soon patrol the grounds to deter wildlife from runways. This pioneering approach by the Alaska Department of Transportation (DoT) and Public Facilities aims to enhance airport safety and operations by mitigating wildlife hazards that pose a risk to aircraft.

Named Aurora, this robo-dog is a product of Boston Dynamics, known for their cutting-edge robotics with lifelike capabilities. Aurora is designed to navigate challenging terrains such as snow and water, making it particularly suited for the Alaskan environment. Its deployment is part of a broader initiative to implement non-lethal wildlife control methods at airports, potentially on a national scale if proven successful.

Despite the excitement surrounding Aurora's capabilities, including its all-direction movement, stair climbing, and collision avoidance technology, some public concerns have arisen regarding privacy and the potential for surveillance misuse. The Alaska Department of Public Safety has addressed these concerns, emphasizing Aurora's sole purpose as a wildlife management tool, not a surveillance device. Additionally, the robot will not operate autonomously until all safety and security guidelines are firmly established.

The need for such innovative solutions is underscored by data from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), which reported 93 wildlife-aircraft incidents in Alaska in 2023, with 10 occurrences at FAI alone. Robots like Aurora offer a cost-effective alternative to traditional wildlife management methods, providing airports with a futuristic yet practical tool to keep runways safe.

This introduction of robotic wildlife deterrents at FAI is a glimpse into the future of airport operations, where technology plays a central role in ensuring the safety and efficiency of air travel. As the aviation industry continues to embrace innovation, passengers and airport personnel alike can anticipate a new era where robots are an integral part of the airport landscape.