Andrea CalderanAutomated Infrastructure Maintenance : Drone Inspections with Computer Vision
In an innovative move, Zurich has embarked on a project that integrates artificial intelligence (AI) into infrastructure maintenance, specifically focusing on streets, bridges, and dams. This initiative, part of the Innovation Sandbox for AI, harnesses AI for detailed image recognition to detect even the smallest cracks or damages, a task traditionally performed manually by infrastructure operators. The initiative has been showcased by the recent report, named “Automatisierte Infrastrukturwartung
Drohneninspektionen mit Bilderkennung”, from the Zurich Innovation authority, is available HERE.
A pilot project was implemented at the military airfield in Dübendorf, led by IBM Research and pixmap GmbH. The project involved using drones to capture high-quality images of the runway. These images were then analyzed using AI models to automatically detect damages. The findings from this project are set to propel the use of AI in the inspection and maintenance of various infrastructure elements. Furthermore, the collected image data will be made available to other innovation actors, fostering a collaborative environment for technological advancement.
The Collaboration and Its Wider Impacts
This project is a collaborative effort involving administration, military, research, and private sector entities, contributing to the advancement of Zurich as an international hub for AI. The Innovation Sandbox for AI, where this project is anchored, serves as a test environment for implementing AI projects across various sectors. It represents a concerted initiative from administration, business, and research sectors to promote responsible innovation.
By closely working with regulatory issues and enabling the use of novel data sources, the Sandbox aims to provide a fertile ground for AI-driven solutions. Such initiatives not only elevate Zurich’s status in the global AI landscape but also underscore the importance of multi-stakeholder collaboration in harnessing the potential of cutting-edge technologies for public benefit.
This report highlights the transformative potential of AI in public infrastructure maintenance, showcasing Zurich’s commitment to innovation and collaborative progress. The move towards AI-driven solutions represents a significant shift in how cities manage and maintain their vital infrastructure, paving the way for more efficient, accurate, and sustainable urban development.
