Reinforced concrete inspections are tough work. Inspectors squint at cracks, measure with gauges, jot down notes, and hope their instincts hit the mark. It’s slow, inconsistent, and overdue for an upgrade. With aging infrastructure presenting growing challenges, traditional visual assessments alone don’t cut it.
That’s why the Federal Highway Administration’s Exploratory Advanced Research Program introduced a new strategy to combine artificial intelligence (AI) and mixed reality (MR). These technologies aim to improve accuracy and efficiency, equipping inspection teams with tools that are transforming how they maintain critical infrastructure.
AI: Consistency and precision at scale
Artificial intelligence excels where human intuition has limits. It processes vast amounts of data faster than any team ever could, analyzing cracks, patterns, and dimensions with unwavering precision. AI doesn’t get tired, distracted, or second-guess itself.
Why does this matter? Traditional inspections rely on subjective judgment, meaning two inspectors can reach different conclusions about the same crack. Using AI in infrastructure inspections eliminates this variability, delivering consistent results every time. Its predictive analytics also help identify potential problems long before they become critical, shifting inspections from reactive fixes to proactive solutions.
Beyond precision, AI automates time-consuming tasks. Measuring dimensions, organizing data, and running calculations no longer require hours of manual effort, giving teams more time to focus on strategic decisions and complex challenges.
Mixed reality: translating data into action
Mixed reality systems, such as VR goggles developed in collaboration with FHWA, overlay key information directly into an inspector’s field of view. These devices provide real-time insights, highlighting cracks, displaying patterns, and visualizing structural health data during on-site evaluations.
Imagine standing under a bridge and seeing relevant details layered onto the structure you’re assessing. MR turns abstract data into actionable insights, helping inspectors prioritize repairs efficiently. These tools enhance—not replace—the critical role inspectors play, ensuring decisions are both data-driven and grounded in professional expertise.
Overcoming inspection headaches
The old way of inspecting reinforced concrete is full of pain points. MR and AI for infrastructure inspections address major challenges, including:
- Wildly inconsistent results: Two inspectors can look at the same crack and come up with different conclusions. AI gives you one consistent answer every time.
- Lost time and productivity: Manual measurements and reports eat up hours. AI automates these tasks, giving teams time back to focus on critical decisions.
- Safety hazards: Inspecting a crumbling bridge or climbing into a hard-to-reach spot? Risky. MR and AI tools can scan these areas without putting human lives on the line.
- Reactive fixes instead of proactive solutions: AI’s predictive analytics help you spot problems before they explode into catastrophes.
This combo of AI and MR doesn’t stop at finding infrastructure cracks—it overhauls the entire process.
Real-world wins: AI and MR in action
AI and MR are already making strides in various industries. In bridge maintenance, AI tools analyze stress and detect micro-cracks, providing actionable insights through MR systems. Utility companies use MR to map underground infrastructure with accuracy, reducing disruptions during maintenance. Disaster response teams deploy AI-powered drones to assess damage, while MR guides responders in prioritizing repairs and identifying safe zones.
These examples illustrate the potential of AI and MR to reshape infrastructure inspections, driving smarter decisions and more targeted interventions.
Safety first—and finally achievable
Inspection sites are inherently risky. Loose debris, unstable structures, and hazardous conditions make safety a constant concern. AI and MR reduce these risks by taking humans out of harm’s way.
Drones with AI cameras scan dangerous areas, while MR goggles allow teams to inspect virtually before stepping foot onsite. These tools make inspections safer without compromising quality or thoroughness.
Smarter solutions for sharper inspections
The infrastructure we rely on—bridges, roads, and buildings—needs innovative solutions to remain dependable. AI and MR equip inspection teams with the precision and speed required to ensure safety and reliability, transforming how we maintain critical systems.
Far from replacing inspectors, these tools enhance their work. Using AI for infrastructure inspections automates repetitive tasks like measuring cracks or analyzing patterns, giving inspectors the time and bandwidth to focus on complex problem-solving. MR turns raw data into actionable insights, making decisions faster and more informed. Together, these technologies empower teams to deliver better results while maintaining the essential human judgment that underpins safety and quality.
By adopting smarter tools, inspection teams address today’s challenges while building resilience for the future. These innovations ensure the infrastructure we all depend on remains resilient for decades to come.
Work smarter with Fulcrum
Fulcrum makes it easy to integrate AI and MR into your workflows. By connecting cutting-edge tools to your existing processes, Fulcrum helps teams improve accuracy, streamline inspections, and make smarter decisions—faster. Schedule a free custom demo today and discover how Fulcrum can transform your infrastructure inspections with field-ready, seamless solutions.