Tampa airport recognised for AI-powered roadway safety system

Tampa International Airport (TPA) has been named one of 16 global finalists for InnoLead’s 2026 Impact Awards, which recognise organisations delivering measurable innovation across a range of industries.

The airport was recognised for its deployment of an AI- and LiDAR-powered warning system designed to prevent overheight vehicles from entering the airport’s Arrivals and Departures roadways, which is a recurring operational challenge at airports worldwide.

Developed with Sotereon.AI, the Overwatch platform combines five LiDAR sensors with artificial intelligence to detect oversized vehicles before they reach restricted areas. When a vehicle exceeds the height limit, digital signs automatically direct drivers away from the terminal while real-time alerts are sent to airport operations and police teams.

“Overwatch takes data from those sensors and turns it into action,” said Doug Wycoff, TPA’s Director of Digital Technologies & Innovation. “We’ve gone from passive warning signs to a fully managed roadway system that tracks height, volume, and speed.”

According to the airport, the system has detected between 18 and 20 overheight vehicles per day since entering service in April. TPA reported that it has not experienced a single overheight vehicle strike since the deployment went live.

The InnoLead Impact Awards winners were announced on 9 June during the Impact 2026 Conference in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

Photo: Tampa International Airport