Detroit Tv Station Pioneers Cutting-Edge Newsgathering Tech With Groundbreaking Orion X Partnership

WXYZ-TV Detroit to Pioneer ORION-X for Broadcast Newsgathering with ResilienX

In a groundbreaking collaboration, WXYZ-TV Detroit, a leading ABC-affiliated local television station owned by The E.W. Scripps Company, has partnered with ResilienX to pilot the ORION-X platform for broadcast newsgathering. This innovative project aims to revolutionize the way newsrooms capture aerial footage, enabling stations to request on-demand, remotely managed aerial capture for live and recorded content in metro Detroit.

The partnership, supported by Michigan Central’s Advanced Aerial Innovation Region (AAIR), is a significant step forward in exploring the operational, editorial, and community value of ORION-X. By leveraging this cutting-edge technology, WXYZ will be able to produce high-quality aerial footage that enhances its storytelling and connects neighbors with one another.

ResilienX, a leading systems integrator for safe, scalable beyond visual line of sight operations for unmanned and autonomous aircraft, will provide the necessary technology, operations, and compliance support. The company’s expertise in airspace safety management, surveillance and data fusion, operational orchestration, and compliance services will ensure that flights are conducted safely and responsibly.

“We’re thrilled to collaborate with WXYZ on this exciting project,” said Andrew Carter, CEO of ResilienX. “This partnership allows us to test a newsroom-ready service model that focuses on safety, compliance, and repeatable operations. With ORION-X, stations can receive timely aerial perspectives inside the tools they already use, while our team manages planning, regulatory alignment, and flight operations.”

The pilot project will prioritize routine “bump shot” footage such as sunrise capture, coverage of planned community events like parades and festivals, and limited breaking-news coverage where feasible and safe. This approach will enable WXYZ to integrate aerial footage into its newsroom workflows seamlessly.

This collaboration lets WXYZ test a newsroom-ready service model with a focus on safety, compliance, and repeatable operations. With ORION-X, stations receive timely aerial perspectives inside the tools they already use, while ResilienX’s team manages planning, regulatory alignment, and flight operations.

Mike Murri, regional vice president and general manager of WXYZ, emphasized the importance of this collaboration in enhancing local news coverage. “We are always looking for safe, responsible ways to add meaningful perspectives to our storytelling in Detroit,” he said. “This collaboration with ResilienX represents an opportunity to explore how emerging aerial technology can enhance local news coverage – connecting neighbors with one another – while maintaining our commitment to journalistic standards and community trust.”

The initial operations of the pilot project are expected to begin in early 2026, following site selection and operational planning within Detroit’s innovation district. This timeline allows for a thorough evaluation of ORION-X’s capabilities and ensures that all necessary stakeholders are involved in the process.

ORION-X is an on-demand aerial intelligence service that enables drones to be delivered as a reliable, scalable regional service. 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.

The platform is designed to support the deployment of drones in a variety of settings, from pilots to sustained regional operations. By leveraging AI and machine learning algorithms, ResilienX can analyze vast amounts of data and provide insights that inform decision-making and drive business growth.

ResilienX brings together airspace safety management, surveillance and data fusion, operational orchestration, and compliance services to enable repeatable, compliant operations for public agencies, infrastructure operators, and enterprise customers. Its platforms and services support deployments that scale from pilots to sustained regional operations.

The collaboration between WXYZ-TV Detroit and ResilienX represents a significant step forward in the adoption of ORION-X for broadcast newsgathering. As the media landscape continues to evolve, it’s essential for news organizations to stay ahead of the curve by embracing innovative technologies like ORION-X.

By pioneering this project, WXYZ-TV Detroit and ResilienX are not only expanding the capabilities of their respective platforms but also contributing to a safer, more efficient, and more sustainable future for the broadcast industry. As the use of drones in media production becomes increasingly prevalent, it’s crucial that we prioritize safety, compliance, and responsible operations.

The ORION-X platform has the potential to revolutionize the way newsrooms capture aerial footage, enabling stations to produce high-quality content while maintaining their commitment to journalistic standards and community trust.