FlyGuys and TerraFort have announced results from their partnership to provide AI drone damage assessments following Super Typhoon Sinlaku in the Northern Mariana Islands. The collaboration combines FlyGuys’ nationwide network of drone pilots with TerraFort’s artificial intelligence platform to accelerate damage assessments for emergency managers, relief organizations and government agencies.
According to the companies, the partnership significantly reduced the time required to complete large-scale disaster assessments.
AI Drone Damage Assessments Accelerate Disaster Response
The companies were deployed after Super Typhoon Sinlaku, a Category 5 storm with sustained winds exceeding 180 miles per hour, struck Saipan and Tinian in the Northern Mariana Islands.
According to FlyGuys and TerraFort, the storm caused:
- Widespread infrastructure damage
- Extended power outages
- Severe flooding
- Destruction of up to 60% of livestock
Despite restricted commercial flights and disrupted communications, FlyGuys deployed pilots to the islands within days of the storm to begin aerial data collection.
The company captured approximately one terabyte of aerial imagery, which TerraFort analyzed using its AI platform to assess storm damage.
Drone Mapping Supports Recovery Efforts
Ten days after landfall, the companies completed a damage assessment covering 4,135 residential structures.
The assessment identified:
- 991 destroyed homes
- 2,267 homes with major damage
- 739 homes with minor damage
- 138 affected homes
The companies noted that the actual extent of the damage was likely higher.
According to the announcement, the assessment data was provided directly to the American Red Cross and local government agencies.
The Red Cross used the information to issue supplemental needs assistance grants for residents whose homes were destroyed or sustained major damage. Local officials used the assessment to support infrastructure planning and FEMA disaster declaration efforts.
The companies said a comparable assessment would typically require one to two months to complete.
Integrated Platform Automates Drone Deployments
Following the mission, FlyGuys and TerraFort developed an integrated workflow that allows users to select FlyGuys pilots directly through the TerraFort platform.
According to the companies, the system enables:
- Direct pilot selection
- Automated image collection after qualifying weather events
- AI-powered damage assessments
- Reduced manual coordination
The companies said the integrated approach is intended to further shorten disaster response timelines.
“We know how difficult it can be to get humans on the ground in devastated areas where infrastructure is nonfunctional or physical barriers restrict access. But time is of the essence, especially where people have lost their homes or any semblance of safety,” said Grady Joseph, CEO of TerraFort. “Enhancing TerraFort’s capabilities with FlyGuys has improved our speed, reach, and ability to get the data that matters to emergency aid agencies.”
“FlyGuys’ pilot network exists for moments like this, where getting eyes on the ground to capture critical data is the priority,” said Joe Stough, CEO of FlyGuys. “This partnership is a successful example of what happens when physical infrastructure meets AI at scale. It’s not just about flying drones. We’re building the data pipeline that lets platforms like TerraFort turn raw imagery into decisions in days instead of months.”
Partnership Designed to Scale
TerraFort currently supports county and state government agencies across the United States.
According to the companies, discussions are underway to expand the platform into additional states, with FlyGuys’ pilot network positioned to support future deployments as demand for rapid aerial data collection grows.
The partnership combines drone operations and artificial intelligence to deliver AI drone damage assessments that help accelerate disaster response, recovery planning and emergency decision-making.
Source: Press release from FlyGuys and TerraFort
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