24026 – Maren-go Airfield Operating System (Airfield OS)

Maren-go Airfield Operating System (Airfield OS)

Robotics and Automation

Problem: Airfields want to automate tasks to reduce costs and improve safety, but need all solutions to be controlled under a single command and control. For FOD in particular, current methods leave dangerous FODs on the runway.

Solution: Maren-go Solutions delivers a field-proven automation solution for airfields operations: Maren-go Airfield Operating System (Airfield OS). It includes a Command and Control (C2), multiple vehicles and mission payloads to cover Foreign Object Debris (FOD) detection-removal as well as perimeter patrol. It is compatible with multiple third party vehicles and payloads such as Honda professional mowers.

FOD Mission: We support two modes of operations: Surgical: Linked with a long range radar such as TREX or MOOG: radar detects, C2 asks for authorization to enter the runway, rover collects and documents. Systematic: Rover performs a grid pattern over the runway to collect all FODs present, usually at night.

We are using an industrial vacuum and magnets leave no FOD while keeping the surface intact, reaching the target collection rates required for the newest fast movers.

Perimeter patrol: Our rugged automated rovers onboard US made sensors and link it with the latest Artificial Intelligence (AI) techniques, in this case multi-modal large language models. This approach brings very acute detection (less missed alerts) and understanding of the context (less false positives). Our solution was pre-selected by Google to perform perimeter patrol in complex environments around their California sites.

Expeditionary: While we currently deploy Maren-go Airfield OS on CONUS airfields, it is designed to be versatile, quick to deploy and easy to maintain. Our most rugged rovers are able to perform in mud, snow and sand. It makes Maren-go Airfield OS a perfect match for expeditionary airfields, from Phase I seizure (smart mule, logistics, kinetic operations) all the way through later phases of airfield occupation and operation (UXO detection, FOD removal, perimeter patrol).

We have deployed and validated this capability in active DoD environments including McGuire AFB, OLF Coupeville, and Joint Base Elmendorf–Richardson (JBER) and received SBIR Phase II funding through the USAF Zero FOD Program.

Benefits: Maren-go Airfield OS replaces manual, time-consuming FOD walks and perimeter patrols with autonomous, data-driven operations. The C2 unifies control of all automated missions and manages deconfliction. The same hardware is used for multiple missions.

Innovation Challenges:
– Airfield-grade safety: Maren-go uses a fusion of multiple sensors that bring safety while maintaining safety of sensitive operations on military bases.
– FOD Collection technology: Go beyond FOD net, collect more FODs and measure collection.
– Optimal communication: Our user interface is tuned for airfield operators.

Next demonstration: be held at Eglin AFB later this month, focusing on heterogeneous missions and vehicles in parallel, FOD mission.