A new AI tool could help local councils spot potholes before they become a bigger issue.
Hertfordshire County Council is testing a device called ARRES Eye from Robotiz3d. This scanner attaches to council vehicles, gathering road data as teams go about their daily tasks.
It analyzes the road surface to find potholes, cracks, and weak spots in the road.
Phil Bibby, who oversees highways, mentioned, “Prevention is better than cure. Using technology like this can stop potholes before they start. It’s a big part of our long-term plan.”
The scanner shows details like the size, location, and seriousness of defects on a screen in almost real-time. This helps road engineers plan repairs more efficiently.
The council is working hand-in-hand with Robotiz3d scientists to improve this technology. Initial tests happened last year, and now, the system is being put to the test again for an extended period.
During this long-term trial, the scanner will survey a selected route multiple times. It uses laser technology to detect tiny changes in the road as the weather fluctuates.
By monitoring these small shifts, the team hopes to catch early signs of road damage, allowing them to fix problems before potholes form.
Mr. Bibby noted that recent weather, with heavy rainfall and cold snaps, has made road surfaces worse, leading to more potholes. He acknowledged that while fixing them is tough, this new AI could help pinpoint issues earlier.
To tackle this problem, the council plans to boost next year’s budget for road maintenance by £6 million.
