Automated AI Inspections of Footpaths and Walkways
The Importance of Good Footpaths and Walkways –
An Artery in Urban Life
When we define public spaces, parks, squares and open areas often come to mind.
However, the role of footpaths in urban life is just as vital, if not more so, and their importance in our every day lives cannot be overstated. They offer a safe zone for pedestrians, away from vehicular traffic and serve as an extension of the surrounding buildings. Footpaths are heavily used by people on a daily basis, making them a fundamental aspect of infrastructure networks.
Did you know?
Good footpaths are the foundation of a safe, accessible and liveable community. They provide a smooth and comfortable surface for pedestrians, improve mobility for people of all ages and abilities and contribute to the overall aesthetic appeal of a neighbourhood. Investing in the regular maintenance and improvement of footpaths is a responsible and necessary step towards building a better and more useable space for all.
Safety and Liability - The Need of Timely Maintenance
The maintenance of footpaths and walkways is of paramount importance for the safety and well-being of those who use them. Cracking, trip hazards such as tree roots, grass in joints and ground movement lifting pavers can frequently occur, quickly undermining performance and durability if left unattended. To preserve the safety of pedestrians and avoid potential financial liabilities, it is crucial to address these hazards promptly, or better, proactively prevent them from occurring in the first instance. In addition, footpaths must always comply with local regulations and guidelines to ensure people with disabilities can traverse footpaths almost as easily as others.
Challenges in Managing Footpath Networks - Traditional Approaches Fall Short
Managing a footpath network can prove to be a difficult task, especially when current inspections are typically limited to every 3-4 years. This infrequency of assessment results in the rapid deterioration of footpaths, including the emergence of cracks, trip hazards and other defects. When left unaddressed, these issues become more severe and costly to correct, necessitating full replacement instead of simple repairs. This not only disrupts daily life but also has a significant impact on the environment and also affects the allocation and breadth of how and where maintenance budgets are applied. Negative public opinion is also often realised when the condition of footpaths falls below user expectations.
“Footpaths and Artificial Intelligence are like a Teacher and a Tutor. Just as a teacher guides students through a lesson, AI can more readily guide the management of footpaths to ensure they are efficiently accessible and in good condition for all.”
Welcome to Modern Automated Footpath Management
Maintain-AI has created a solution that utilises Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning to improve the current approach to monitoring the condition of footpath assets. Our solution allows for the efficient and subjective inspection and recording of footpath condition on a more frequent basis, making footpath maintenance more cost-effective and environmentally friendly than traditional methods. With this approach, more information is available for better decision making and the identification of more cost-effective treatments that can be implemented in a timely manner.
By utilising this modern assessment approach, potential hazards can be automatically detected, categorised and recorded, ensuring that footpaths are maintained to the highest standards and providing safe access for all. Maintain-AI supports keeping the good footpaths good and enables you to use more of your maintenance budgets for actual maintenance activities and less for monitoring.