Wildlife-strike prevention with Flox at Silicon Valley Airport
| Reference number | |
| Coordinator | FLOX Robotics AB |
| Funding from Vinnova | SEK 500 000 |
| Project duration | November 2024 - March 2025 |
| Status | Completed |
| Venture | Future Mobility |
Important results from the project
The project successfully demonstrated FLOX´s autonomous drone system for wildlife control in collaboration with HMB Airport in the USA. All objectives were met, including regulatory approval in collaboration with the FAA and USDA. The project also provided important international networks and a legal blueprint that enables further commercialization of Swedish drone technology globally.
Expected long term effects
The project is expected to pave the way for wider use of autonomous drone systems for wildlife management at airports globally, strengthening aviation safety and reducing environmental impact. The regulatory blueprint can be used by other Swedish actors to establish themselves internationally. The project also contributes to increased acceptance of AI-based systems in critical infrastructure and strengthens Sweden´s position in sustainable mobility and innovation.
Approach and implementation
The project was carried out in three stages: first, mapping regulatory guidelines for use of the system at American airports, including guidelines from the FAA and USDA. Then, we carried out installation, waivers and permits for flights and the first demonstration of the system with HMB Airport and concluded with a compilation of the permit process in comparison with a similar process in Sweden, as well as reporting. The focus was on developing a legal model for future use.