Meinhardt's AI-Driven Innovation Clinches R&D 100 Award
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Hong Kong's first AI-powered tunnel inspection system, the Edge-AI Powered Multi-Sensor Aerial Inspector for Tunnel Surfaces, has been awarded the prestigious R&D 100 Award for 2022. This honour comes in the software/services category, in recognition of the unique technological advances.
This breakthrough innovation is the fruit of collaborative efforts between the Hong Kong Productivity Council, the Civil Engineering and Development Department (CEDD), HKSAR, and the Hyder-Meinhardt Joint Venture. It comprises an innovative fusion of drone technology and on-board AI processing to enhance the tunnel inspection process, transforming a traditionally laborious and potentially hazardous task into a safer, more intelligent and efficient procedure.
The Edge-AI Powered Multi-Sensor Aerial Inspector has been designed to conduct detailed inspections of tunnel linings, automatically identifying and documenting defects. By utilising AI-driven technology, the system can perform efficient, real-time tunnel defect inspections, operating efficiently even in challenging conditions such as low light or without GPS.
Central to this innovation is its self-learning and continuous learning capabilities which not only ensure efficient operation but significantly reduce the risk of human error compared to traditional tunnel inspection methods.
Furthermore, this AI-based system does not merely identify defects; It also automatically generates digital defect reports. This innovative feature digitalises the entire inspection process, paving the way for more streamlined asset management in the future.
The R&D 100 Awards, established in 1963, serve as a benchmark of excellence in the world of science and technology. They recognise new commercial products, technologies, and materials for their technological significance and commercial potential.
The recognition of the Edge-AI Powered Multi-Sensor Aerial Inspector by the R&D 100 Awards underscores its ground-breaking capabilities and the innovative spirit of its developers. It marks a notable achievement for Meinhardt Group and its partners, and is a testament to our commitment to technological advancements, safety and efficiency in the civil engineering sector.
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