26 Sep 2024

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Christchurch City Council maintenance teams are harnessing the power of AI to help detect and plan repairs to roads and footpaths.

Cameras are connected to contractor vehicles to record the condition of streets as they move around the city.

“An algorithm scans the camera recording to identify all faults, categorises them and presents repair options for our contracting teams to review. If the repairs are updated by the team, the algorithm learns what it needs to do in future,” City Streets Maintenance Manager Steve Guy said. 

“The cameras have been detecting everything from damage on both roads and footpaths to damaged or missing street signs.”

Mr Guy said the technology has been equipped to a multitude of different types of vehicles for the last few years – trucks, utes, mobility scooters, bicycles. 

“However, we’re now at the stage where we have collected enough data to provide a huge benefit to the Council and residents. The AI technology is at a place where it is far more efficient,” he said. 

“We have been able to reduce the number of manual inspections we need to do, reducing the risk to staff on the ground from traffic, as well as reducing traffic management on the roads. It has also had the added benefit of freeing up inspector’s time so they can add value elsewhere.” 

“Due to the amount of data collected we have been able to streamline greater delivery of projects and get the best value for money. The process we use to make the most of the AI data ensures the right piece of work is done, for the right reason, at the right time and at the best price.” 

“One of the key additional checks we are going through is to cross reference results through community feedback from residents, Community Boards and the Life in Christchurch Survey data to target locations for repairs that have the greatest resident need,” Mr Guy said. 

“That way residents can see a direct correlation between giving the Council feedback, to the condition of the road and footpath renewals happening quickly after this.” 

The data is also used when applying for funding from NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi as the detail it provides is so comprehensive. 

“We’ve been able to significantly increase the amount of funding we get because we’ve been able to show thorough data and analysis of what condition the road is in, on top of the strategies of how we maintain our roads.” 

This technology along with a number of other innovations the Council’s maintenance team has introduced over the past few years is being showcased at the upcoming Innovation Expo. 

The expo is free to attend and runs 9am to 5pm on Friday 27 and Saturday 28 September at Te Pae. Register online for your free ticket and check out the Innovation Expo website for all the details.