Detroit County has initiated the implementation of artificially intelligent sewer and drainage network inspection drones. A pilot project being employed for the first time in Michigan, according to Macomb County Commissioner of Public Works.
Sewer inspection drones
Macomb County Public Works Commissioner Candice Miller announced that her office is using high-tech “detroit drones” to improve sewer inspections and save costs in the budget. At a press conference at the Chapaton pumping station, he expressed his optimism and enthusiasm for the potential use of this technology.
Miller also noted that the county could be the first in Michigan to use specialized AI drones to inspect sewers. He also revealed that by the end of the year, other entities are expected to adopt this technology.
In addition, a group of members, led by Miller, demonstrated the use of this technology and performed a brief drone flight demonstration for the media, where they detailed a specialized dronemanufactured by the Swiss company Flybotix, which captures video inside the large subway pipes, which can be up to 15 feet high and buried some 60 feet underground.
Equipment design and demonstration
The director of operations for the County’s Office of Public Works explained that the drone is equipped with LED lights and high-definition cameras. Each of the images obtained by the drone can be analyzed by AI software developed by SewerAI to identify defects and prioritize problems.
In addition, Miller stressed the importance of regular inspections, citing the 2016 collapse of the Oakland-Macomb interceptor in Fraser, which led to serious outages and high costs for repairs. This incident highlighted the need to maintain and periodically review aging subway infrastructure.
The AI-driven system is expected to save the county millions of dollars and provide more accurate data for engineers. The drone and software, purchased for less than $100,000, required no additional personnel to operate, further enhancing the cost-effectiveness of this approach.
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Source: Government Technology
Photo: Macomb County Office of Public Works
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