Can Artificial Intelligence Assist in the Repair of Crumbling Infrastructure?

Pothole-infested roads, cracked bridges, and leaking pipes are so familiar that many Americans don't think twice about them. AI-powered infrastructure repair could be the answer to these vexing issues.

Fremont, CA: The problem of deteriorating infrastructure is more severe than many people realize. According to a 2017 study, 39 percent of American bridges are over 50 years old, despite being designed for long lifespan. Even though nearly 10 percent are structurally deficient, 188 million trips are made across them every day. One of the reasons this problem has gotten so out of hand is that infrastructure repair is expensive and complicated. Here's how artificial intelligence could change that.

Identifying Problem Areas

Because so much of the country's infrastructure requires maintenance, identifying problem areas isn't always easy. For example, a dangerously damaged road will not stand out as much as one might think in a sea of potholes. However, AI technology can detect and highlight these areas allowing.

Drones can fly over roads, buildings, and bridges, collecting footage of potentially damaged infrastructure much faster than a human survey. Machine learning software can then analyze the footage to identify areas that require maintenance. These automated surveys save local DOTs and other authorities hours of planning time, which saves money.

Prioritization of Infrastructure Repair Requirements

Robotics, a Carnegie Mellon startup, uses artificial intelligence to analyze road conditions and prioritize which sections should be repaired first. The AI divides the road into green, yellow, and red zones based on its deterioration.

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