AI Takes the Wheel for Smarter Road Inspections
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is set to transform how the Canary Islands’ Ministry of Public Works, Housing and Mobility evaluates road conditions. A groundbreaking system will analyze pavement quality during normal traffic flow—eliminating the need for disruptive road closures.
How the AI Inspection System Works
Specialized equipment mounted on vehicles will capture high-resolution images of road surfaces at normal driving speeds. Advanced optical systems paired with AI algorithms will then automatically detect, classify, and assess pavement damage—a task previously requiring technicians to manually inspect closed road sections.
The Roadside Assistant of the Future
“We’re developing this prototype to conduct inspections without stopping traffic or working roadside,” explains Javier Jubera, Head of Construction Laboratories and Quality for the Canary Islands Government. “The vehicle will simply drive normally while continuously recording all road defects it encounters.”
Project Timeline and Expected Impact
The 24-month project, coordinated by the Construction Laboratories and Quality Service, has a budget of €298,637. Initial results showing the system’s ability to process road surface images at 100 km/h are expected within eight months. If successful, the technology will provide island councils with precise data to prioritize road repairs and infrastructure upgrades across the archipelago.
