It is a Syracuse-based company that describes itself as a “systems integrator for safe, scalable beyond-visual line of sight operations for unmanned and autonomous aircraft.” It is also an increasingly important technology entity to the broadcast TV industry, given its desire to provide key infrastructure to newsgathering across the latter half of the decade.
This explains why an ABC affiliate owned by The E.W. Scripps Co. is teaming up with the company, ResilienX, on a pilot project with over-the-air TV at its heart.
The initiative is designed to evaluate the ORION-X platform for broadcast media applications in metropolitan Detroit, and sees WXYZ-7 partner on the test.
The collaboration, supported by Michigan Central’s Advanced Aerial Innovation Region (AAIR), explores operational, editorial and community value by enabling WXYZ to request missions that produce live and recorded aerial video to be integrated into newsroom workflows.
The pilot aims to prioritize routine “bump shot” footage such as sunrise captures, coverage of planned community events including parades and festivals, and limited breaking-news coverage where feasible and safe.
“This collaboration lets us test a newsroom-ready service model with a focus on safety, compliance, and repeatable operations,” said ResilienX CEO Andrew Carter. “With ORION-X, stations receive timely aerial perspectives inside the tools they already use, while our team manages planning, regulatory alignment, and flight operations.”
Developed by ResilienX, ORION-X provides aerial data to cities, regions, and enterprise partners without requiring them to purchase aircraft, train pilots, or manage complex flight operations. Through a unified network and AI-enabled mission automation, approved users can request missions in minutes and receive high-value imagery and data products, including video, photos, thermal, and LiDAR. ORION-X supports use cases such as public safety operations, infrastructure inspection, planned event coverage, and broadcast media capture, and integrates directly into existing workflows.
ResilienX will provide technology, operations, and compliance support and will manage flight operations in accordance with applicable laws and privacy standards. Scripps-owned WXYZ will submit editorial requests, integrate footage at its discretion and provide feedback on quality, utility and workflow fit.
“We are always looking for safe, responsible ways to add meaningful perspectives to our storytelling in Detroit,” said WXYZ Regional VP/GM Mike Murri. “This collaboration with ResilienX represents an opportunity to explore how emerging aerial technology can enhance local news coverage, connecting neighbors withone another, while maintaining our commitment to journalistic standards and community trust.”
Initial operations are expected to begin in early 2026 following site selection and operational planning within Detroit’s innovation district, home to the newly reborn Michigan Central Station and owned by Ford Motor Company.
