Aging Highway Infrastructure

From high-risk traditional inspection to air-ground autonomy

The expressway has been in operation for 23 years, with aging infrastructure on certain sections where traditional manual inspection can no longer meet the demands of efficient monitoring.
In February 2023, the expressway group launched the “Research and Industrial Application of Fixed-Wing VTOL UAV Systems for Routine Highway Inspection” project, selecting a 233 km operational section as a pilot to explore a new model for intelligent inspection.

Solution

By deploying an intelligent inspection system, integrated with AI-powered multi-modal perception and big data analytics, a “Air-Ground Integrated” intelligent inspection framework has been established:

  • Intelligent Patrol

    Autonomous route planning enables high-frequency, routine coverage.

  • Precision Detection

    Multispectral sensors stream data in real time.

    AI algorithms automatically identify pavement distress and facility anomalies.

  • Efficient Handling

    Anomalies are pushed in real time, significantly improving emergency response speed.

Key Results

  • Inspection efficiency increased by 30%

    Single‑inspection time reduced from 2–4 hours to under 20 minutes

  • 5-minute rapid response

    Single‑inspection time reduced from 2–4 hours to under 20 minutes

  • Accident rate reduced by 15%

    Daily inspection personnel reduced by 3 staff.

  • Coverage exceeds 800 km

    Expected to achieve full network coverage across 3,800 km.

  • Hazard detection cycle shortened from hours to minutes

    A notable reduction in outdoor inspection manpower.

Beta