Cyclect Electrical Engineering completed the installation of the Foreign Object Debris Intelligent Detection and Alarm System (FIDAS) at Changi Airport in collaboration with the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) and Changi Airport Group (CAG).
FIDAS uses a combination of high-definition video cameras, LiDAR sensors, and computer vision analytics to detect debris on active runways in real time, even at sweeper operating speeds of up to 40 km/h and across variable weather conditions. When debris is detected, the system generates an automated alert to the control tower and marks the exact GPS coordinates on a runway map, eliminating the need for the operator to monitor a screen while driving.
The project addressed a recognised gap in runway safety operations following high-profile FOD-related incidents globally. Changi Airport’s runways handle over 100,000 aircraft movements annually, making reliable FOD detection operationally critical.
FIDAS reduced dependence on manual visual inspection, lowered the risk of missed detections during high-traffic periods, and allowed airport operations teams to concentrate sweeping effort on high-risk runway zones. The system was subsequently recognised with the Enterprise Challenge Innovator Award from the Prime Minister’s Office.