The Florida State Guard is equipping its recently established fleet of rapid response aircraft with autonomous, AI-enabled smart sensors and automated software from Overwatch Imaging to modernize its airborne mission capabilities.
This initiative involves the integration of Overwatch Imaging’s TK-7 Smart Sensors and the upgrade of existing EO/IR video gimbals with Automated Sensor Operator (ASO) software. These tools are designed to enable autonomous wide-area search, detection, and mapping, which helps reduce the workload for human operators while accelerating decision-making during critical operations.
The investment represents a significant move by the Florida State Guard (FSG) to generate timely, actionable intelligence. The TK-7 Smart Sensor provides high-resolution, multispectral imagery capable of fire detection, wide-area rapid mapping, and vehicle or vessel detection. Meanwhile, the ASO software adds multi-mission autonomy to video gimbals, supporting maritime ISR and multipoint observation.
Greg Davis, Founder and CEO of Overwatch Imaging, said, “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. 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 FSG was reactivated in 2022 as a state-supported civilian volunteer force. Since then, the organization has worked to quickly stand up a mission-ready aviation unit, investing in advanced payloads and trained personnel to support search and rescue and public safety across the state. By utilizing a software-defined platform, the Guard intends to remain adaptable to evolving operational requirements and emerging technologies.
This deliberate buildout focuses on scalable, technology-enabled response. The integration of these sensors ensures the Guard can deliver effective coverage and real-time data analysis, such as NDVI analysis and change comparison, to support the state’s disaster response infrastructure.
