Florida State Guard equips rapid response fleet with AI-enabled Sensors and Software
- Overwatch Imaging
- 17 hours ago
- 2 min read
As response agencies move to modernize for an increasingly complex set of mission, the Florida State Guard is taking a proactive approach by equipping its recently built-out fleet of rapid response aircraft with autonomous, AI-enabled Smart Sensors and Automated Sensor Operator software from Overwatch Imaging.
The investment marks a significant step forward in the Guard’s ability to generate timely, actionable intelligence from the air. By integrating Overwatch Imaging’s TK-7 Smart Sensors, as well as upgrading its EO/IR video gimbals with Automated Sensor Operator (ASO) software, FSG is enabling autonomous wide-area search, detection and mapping capabilities that will reduce operator workload and accelerate decision-making for time-critical missions .
Together, these capabilities transform the Guard’s airborne intelligence assets into a software-defined platform capable of supporting a wide range of missions today, while remaining adaptable to evolving operational requirements and emerging technologies.
“It’s encouraging to see agencies like the Florida State Guard adopt sensor autonomy and fully leverage the power of AI and real-time edge processing to improve mission outcomes,” said Greg Davis, founder and CEO of Overwatch Imaging. With this technology, FSG is expanding its operational reach, increasing capabilities beyond human limits, and reducing burden on operators. At the end of the day, better intelligence drives better outcomes, and this investment put FSG in a strong position to achieve both.”
The newly equipped fleet of aircraft is part of FSG’s efforts to build out its aviation capabilities following its reactivation in 2022 as a state-supported civilian volunteer force. The Guard has moved quickly to stand up a mission-ready aviation unit, investing not only in aircraft, but in advanced sensor payloads, autonomy software, and trained personnel to support time-critical operations across the state.
This deliberate buildout reflects a focus on scalable, technology-enabled response, ensuring FSG can deliver effective coverage and real-time intelligence in support of disaster response, search and rescue, and public safety missions.
Overwatch Imaging System Details:
· TK-7 Smart Sensor: High-resolution, multispectral imagery, fire detection and mapping, wide-area rapid mapping, NDVI analysis, vehicle and vessel detection, change comparison, wide-area situational awareness
· Automated Sensor Operator (ASO): Multi-mission autonomy for EO/IR video gimbals, enables rapid mapping, vehicle and vessel detection, maritime ISR, wide-area search and situational awareness, multipoint observation and more.
Overwatch Imaging develops advanced airborne imaging systems and AI-enabled automation software for time-critical intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions. Founded in 2016 and based in Hood River, Oregon, the company’s flagship product, Automated Sensor Operator (ASO) software, brings intelligent autonomy to EO/IR imaging systems, enabling real-time detection, mapping, and mission-specific outputs with reduced operator workload. Overwatch Imaging technology is deployed globally on crewed and uncrewed aircraft supporting defense, civil, and commercial missions.
With a heritage dating back to WWII, the Florida State Guard was reactivated in 2022 as a state-supported volunteer force to provide rapid emergency response. Since its modern relaunch, the Florida State Guard has continued expanding its capabilities and personnel to strengthen Florida’s emergency response capacity across aviation, maritime, and land-based operations. The Florida State Guard is committed to protecting the life and property of Florida from all threats to public safety.
