- Israel’s ImageSat International has unveiled RUNNER, the first satellite capable of real-time movement tracking using onboard embedded AI.
- The RUNNER platform delivers live sub-meter video, onboard analytics, and compressed data for direct integration into tactical networks.
ImageSat International, a provider of space-based intelligence solutions, has introduced a new satellite platform named RUNNER, capable of real-time movement tracking from orbit—a capability the company says marks a new era for operational intelligence.
According to ISI, RUNNER is the first satellite of its kind to provide dynamic, in-orbit surveillance enhanced by embedded artificial intelligence. Unlike conventional satellites that offer still imagery, RUNNER delivers sub-meter true-color video and dynamic analytics, allowing operators to observe and classify movements within seconds, regardless of weather or lighting conditions.
The company said in a release that the system has already been operational for more than three years, demonstrating its reliability and field utility across a range of military and civilian missions.
“RUNNER changes the rules for satellite intelligence,” said Noam Segal, CEO of ISI. “For the first time, analysts and operators have instant access to dynamic movement tracking, embedded AI agents, and actual intelligence data, at the speed of operations and tailored for warfighter needs. This capability is a true game changer, expanding real-time intelligence to support mission decisions worldwide.”
RUNNER’s core system is based on ISI’s proprietary multi-sensor architecture, featuring eight onboard GPU processors, fault-tolerant hardware, and advanced image stabilization. The satellite is designed to analyze in-scene dynamics directly onboard, bypassing traditional data downlink delays by transmitting high-level symbolic outputs into existing operational networks.
As noted by the company, the system allows space-based intelligence to function as an integrated node in real-time tactical networks, dramatically increasing responsiveness in military and emergency scenarios.
RUNNER’s intelligence features include:
- Instant mapping and classification of movement types
- Operability in night and clouded conditions
- Live analytics for mission-critical zones
- Compressed, analyst-ready symbology for direct use in command systems
ISI emphasized that the satellite’s AI agents are not cloud-processed but are embedded directly on orbit, enabling low-latency decision-making for defense operators, urban planners, and emergency responders.
What further differentiates ISI is its exclusive use of a proprietary data archive accumulated over decades of global satellite operations. According to the company, ISI is the first satellite intelligence firm to deploy generative AI models trained entirely on its own ISR database, ensuring that AI analysis is mission-relevant and contextually aware.
This capability enables ISI to deliver enhanced intelligence products, converting raw imagery into actionable insights automatically. The company says the platform supports a wide range of use cases—from force protection and battlefield awareness to environmental monitoring and infrastructure management.