AI FOR AUDITING SAFETY IN ROADS AND INFRASTRUCTURES

Area of Activity
INNOVATION

Client
European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) | Basque Government + European Union

Scope

• Development of a research and innovation project

Duration
2024-Current

The SAFEBIDE project, led by DAIR in collaboration with ELKARMEDIA and TECNALIA, aims to revolutionize road safety auditing through the development of advanced Artificial Intelligence tools. As part of the HAZITEK 2024 program, its goal is to enhance safety and optimize the maintenance of the road network and its critical infrastructures in the Basque Country, with a projection towards Europe. The initiative combines cutting-edge technology with a sustainable approach to address the challenges associated with aging and the intensive use of these infrastructures.

Among the project’s key innovations is the use of Soft-Sensing techniques, which allow for the assessment of the structural health of bridges while significantly reducing the number of required sensors. Furthermore, the integration of AI algorithms with computational models will enable real-time diagnostics, detecting damage in its early stages and ensuring the integrity of infrastructures. In addition, an automatic road auditing system based on artificial vision and IoT sensors installed in vehicles will be developed to identify and locate deteriorations in road surfaces.

One of the key tools will be a georeferenced digital twin, integrating all these technologies to provide real-time visualization of the infrastructure’s condition. This system will facilitate more efficient decision-making and enable a transition to a preventive maintenance model, optimizing resources and ensuring long-term sustainability.

The expected impact of SAFEBIDE includes a significant reduction in costs associated with inspections and repairs, an increase in safety for both users and technicians, and a notable contribution to environmental sustainability by extending the lifespan of infrastructures. Additionally, the project will promote the creation of skilled and equitable employment, with a focus on accessibility for people with reduced mobility and a strong commitment to gender equality.

With a three-year duration (2024-2026), SAFEBIDE will conduct pilot tests on real infrastructures and collect feedback from end users to refine the solution. This initiative has the potential to position the consortium as a leader in the sector, with a clear projection towards international expansion into European markets such as France, Italy, and Germany, where the need for critical infrastructure maintenance is increasingly a priority.