New way of keeping people on the move
Council chiefs look to artificial intelligence to help monitor road conditions
‘It is anticipated that over the next two to three years there will be an increase in the use of AI.’
Council chiefs could turn to artificial intelligence (AI) to keep people on the move in Argyll and Bute.
A report suggests the technology is being considered by officers for helping to monitor the condition of the area’s roads, pavements, bridges and marine assets.
It could also be used to provide more accurate and upto-date information during times of service disruption.
Artificial intelligence is defined as the use of computer systems which can perform tasks which usually rely on human intelligence – such as visual perception and speech recognition.
The report was considered and the content endorsed by members of the council’s environment, development and infrastructure committee on Thursday March 5.
Kirsty Flanagan, the authority’s interim executive director with responsibility for roads and infrastructure services, said: ‘AI is becoming increasingly popular and may well have a role to play in monitoring structures and other infrastructure.
‘Officers are currently considering various opportunities for which AI could be used. Whilst the use of this technology is in its infancy, it is anticipated that over the next two to three years there will be an increase in the use of AI.
‘Through the use of data captured, through video survey and algorithms, projections of future deterioration/ condition [AI] should be able to be modelled which will enable a greater focus on a stitch in time/right first time fixes.
‘AI has got potential for use across the marine sector, bridges and structures as well as carriageway and footway surfaces.
‘It is not expected AI will fully replace the current inspection regime, more that it would provide earlier indication of possible failure and reprioritise how our existing resources can be best used.’
Ms Flanagan said initial discussions had taken place between the council’s ICT team and the Scottish Government’s digital office about a detection system being implemented for ports and harbours.
It is felt this would help harbourmasters during outof-hours periods and free up time, with a rota standby system in place.
Ms Flanagan added: ‘Route optimisation is being progressed to provide effective and efficient logistical routing for a number of the operations carried out by the service.
‘This would include activities such as routing for bin collections, winter maintenance, gully emptying, mechanical street sweeping and routing for safety inspections.
‘Route optimisation would also allow for live re-routing in the event of a vehicle breakdown.
‘This technology, coupled with on board satellite navigation equipment, would enable effective and efficient deployment of the council’s fleet.
‘This would also have the benefit of providing more up-to-date and accurate information relating to service disruptions.’