NTT Corporation, in collaboration with NTT e-Drone Technology Corporation, has developed a groundbreaking method to detect and repair corroded steel materials on bridges. This new technology integrates artificial intelligence and drone capabilities to overcome the limitations of traditional visual inspections, enhancing the safety and longevity of steel structures globally. By leveraging this cutting-edge technology, the companies anticipate significant reductions in the costs and efforts associated with maintaining essential infrastructure like bridges.
Corrosion in steel materials, especially in hard-to-reach areas of bridges, poses considerable challenges for maintenance teams. Conventional inspection methods often depend on visual assessments, which can be insufficient for accurately evaluating the extent of corrosion. As NTT highlights, “It can detect corrosion and estimate the corrosion depth at the same time by imaging with drones and AI inspection, which has been difficult to do with visual inspection by inspectors.”
By automating the inspection process using drones equipped with AI, inspectors are able to identify damage and assess corrosion depth more efficiently. This eliminates the need for expensive scaffolding or ultrasonic probes, which are typically required for traditional inspections.
The Federal Highway Administration has pointed out the inconsistencies often encountered in corrosion detection, which can arise from varying operator experience and equipment sensitivity. To combat these challenges, NTT has integrated AI into drone-based imaging systems. This combination allows for both the detection and measurement of corrosion in steel bridges, enhancing the efficiency and accuracy of inspections and ultimately ensuring the structural integrity of aging infrastructure.
The innovative AI and drone-based solution developed by NTT and NTT e-Drone Technology was put to the test on a bridge in Kumagaya City, Japan. During this trial, drones captured high-resolution images of the bridge, which were subsequently analyzed by AI algorithms to identify corrosion and estimate the depth of the damage. According to NTT, this technology not only has the potential to lower inspection costs but also to enhance the precision of corrosion detection.
In a press release, NTT stated, “Improvement of work efficiency and reduced maintenance costs by using an ultrasonic device to measure the amount of loss in the steel cross-section of corroded areas using drone imaging and AI inspection.” By automating these tasks, NTT aims to simplify and make the maintenance of bridges and other steel structures more cost-effective for infrastructure managers.
Looking ahead, NTT plans to broaden the application of this technology beyond bridges to encompass other types of infrastructure, such as steel towers and guardrails. The company is committed to refining the accuracy of its AI system and enhancing the efficiency of drone operations. NTT aims to introduce this innovative solution as an inspection support technology by the fiscal year 2025.
