Artificial intelligence-based analysis of the imagery from aging bridges and tunnels will detect and alert the authorities before their collapse.

In New York, a report by national transportation research nonprofit TRIP found that 10% of 17,521 locally and state-maintained bridges had been as “poor/structurally deficient” by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). Aging bridges and tunnels, not in good condition, can be extremely hazardous. The report revealed that more than 11 million vehicles pass over structurally deficient bridges in New York daily.

However, artificial intelligence can provide advanced warning of an imminent collapse and save lives.

Dynamic Infrastructure uses AI and real-time imagery analysis

Dynamic Infrastructure is a startup based in New York and Tel-Aviv.

It has devised an AI-based system that broadcasts live, cloud-based, 3-dimensional images of the bridge or tunnel. The system can also detect and alert the infrastructure agency in case of any dramatic and adverse change in the condition of the bridge.

The Dynamic System creates a past database, a so-called “medical history” of the bridge using current photographs taken during inspections. Later, live images link to the older ones to detect any defects.

“The world faces an infrastructure crisis,” says Saar Dickman, co-founder and CEO of Dynamic Infrastructure. “Specifically, deficient bridges and tunnels represent a severe infrastructure challenge in the U.S. and worldwide, and their poor condition leads to life losses and millions in unplanned expenditures.”

America’s infrastructure, including aging bridges and tunnels, is decaying

America’s infrastructure is desperately in need of investment, according to the American Society of Civil Engineers. The ASCE estimates the US needs to spend some $4.5 trillion by 2025 for infrastructure. These projects would include the repair of the country’s roads, bridges, and dams.

Finally, in its 2017 Infrastructure Report Card, the ASCE rated US infrastructure at a D+ grade.

“Till recently, there has been no effective system that can quickly and precisely identify defects in bridges throughout their lifetime,” says Dickman. “We are bringing the data revolution to the decision-making process of bridges and tunnel maintenance based on our cutting-edge imagery analysis.”

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