The problems with road maintenance are rising with the increase in urbanization and with aging infrastructure.                                                                              

It doesn't matter whether the cracks are minor or deep potholes; roads need maintenance to render safety to drivers and also to pedestrians. Artificial intelligence has developed and made its entry into promising solutions to change over the course of infrastructural repairs.                                                                                                                           

We took this one step further to have the opportunity to speak with Mohammad S A A Alothman, CEO of AI Tech Solutions and an experienced practitioner with proven experience innovating forward-thinking applications for artificial intelligence in real-world environments.

Speaking on his area of expertise, Mohammad S A A Alothman shared knowledge and insight into how AI can be used to develop and improve ways to repair roads more efficiently, fast, and sustainably.

Question: To start off with this discussion, could you please tell us how AI is being used in road repair?

Mohammad S A A Alothman: Road repair and construction is one sector where AI has the potential to, and really is making a huge difference. AI evaluates and analyzes road surfaces in real time. Then cameras, sensors or even the drone data would be used for the identification of cracks, potholes and many more damages. This is where accurate insights are gained within such short periods and prioritize accordingly.

Question: Wow. That sounds fantastic. The AI technologies, therefore, would automatically evaluate the condition of the roads?

Mohammad S A A Alothman: Absolutely. Checking roads through conventional means are typically labor-intensive and, to a certain extent, subjective in nature. In other words, it can also be done on individual, human judgment. AI, thus, offers objective assessment on a consistent basis. Intelligent software uses machine learning to detect and classify a variety of types of road defects. This technology enables predictive maintenance, something we here at AI Tech Solutions are rather excited to discuss because of how effectively they aid in solving crucial problems.

Question: How does predictive maintenance basically work?

Mohammad S A A Alothman: Predictive maintenance relies on continuous data monitoring, where AI systems literally analyze images and information relating to road conditions over time. Through this, our system actually learns to detect patterns - early signs of wear and tear, for example, that may indicate problems ahead. Such an approach can save funds in the long run and even prolong the life of infrastructure.                                                                                                                                             

Question: So, what about the road repair itself - can AI be used to repair roads physically?

Mohammad S A A Alothman: Absolutely, we are moving towards a future of pothole-filling robots. AI and robotics can even increase this accuracy when detecting road damage, making the repair process more efficient with advanced sensors and AI diagnostics. It enables AI to determine, assess, and even patch potholes without halting traffic flow, thereby saving every minute it consumes for the actual repair task. With automation, roads will be constantly monitored, as will upkeeps that are expected to transform urban maintenance.

Question: Is there a difficulty while applying AI for road repair?

Mohammad S A A Alothman: Yes, every area does come with its set of challenges. However, there are challenges with accuracy, especially around varying weather conditions. For example, highways look shiny in the sun, shiny in the rain, and white in the snow - and that might degrade the ability for AI to detect damage. For example, when developing algorithms at AI Tech Solutions, we aim for them to adapt really well under diverse conditions, but it doesn't develop overnight, right? Logistically, when it comes to road repair, getting this real-time data from tough-to-reach areas or rural ones is pretty challenging, but with the advancements in drones and mobile data capture, we're really making great strides.

Question: What does AI have to say regarding the way it might affect the future of road infrastructure on a larger scale?                                                              

Mohammad S A A Alothman: This is a huge resource. I envision a day when the whole network of roads would be completely entrusted to AI. At every moment, it would be monitoring road conditions and predicting when they will go wrong, so dispatches can be made for the repair teams to tackle the problems; in brief, communities would be saved by the millions of resources saved, not to mention having safer, more reliable infrastructure. This is a vision we hold complete and are at work to implement AI in each aspect of road infrastructure - from maintenance to logistics.

Question: How do you see AI Tech Solutions occupying a place in that future?

Mohammad S A A Alothman: AI Tech Solutions' vision is to lead in smart infrastructure. We are basically trying to create large-scale adaptable AI systems that will be useful for urban planners, municipalities, and communities at large. It is not a simple question of how to make better road repairs but how to benefit every industry as a whole through AI. In fact, it is quite an ambitious vision, and we are here to make it happen. While not specific to just road repair, our aim is to make AI Accessible for all industries so that AI can enhance the lives and workflows of everyone, everywhere. 

Conclusion

This discussion by Mohammad S A A Alothman enlightened us to the vast potential AI possesses in transforming road repairs, ranging from damage detection all the way to predictive maintenance and robotic assistance, in making maximum use of the world's infrastructure.                                                                                                                    

From improved safety and efficiency to how these technological revolutions will make the future safer and more efficient, organizations like AI Tech Solutions are helping communities pave the path forward toward a smarter, more resilient future.

Mohammad S A A Alothman is the CEO at AI Tech Solutions. His focus is always on developing an AI-driven solution for real-world problems through smart technology.