“The algorithms use collected fault data to develop maintenance and renewal Forward Work Programmes. The system can incorporate dispatches for maintenance work and re-calculate condition as work is completed. This highlights the change in condition based on money spent and maintenance strategy applied,” he says.
Recent advances in technology are poised to make the buggy system even more efficient for our operators and clients, with Gregg and the team now looking into how artificial intelligence can be used to recognise defects from the buggy’s video footage.
The traditional method of detecting pavement defects – walking around with pen and clipboard – is manually intensive, slow and costly. WSP’s buggies make the job faster, cheaper, and, ultimately, help make our footpaths safer. This is a major benefit in an age where active modes of travel like walking, cycling and e-transport are being encouraged as an alternative to vehicle driving.
“We used to walk sections of pavements to identify faults. These were summarised to static sections, but clients didn’t know where they were in relation to each other, or within the section. Now, with the buggy system, we can locate individual faults and their severity to within just a few metres,” says Gregg.
The system can be calibrated to relay any kind of pavement defect, fault or issue. Some clients, for example, have asked for the buggy to pick up non-compliant tactile crossings or steep pram crossings that may pose a safety risk for people using wheelchairs or prams.
With many footpaths now being used by electric scooters, Gregg says data from the buggy’s onboard accelerometer and inclinometer is being analysed to see if it can assist clients as they compare their footpath and crossing network to the required design standards.
Council clients have been giving rave reviews from the results of the system. With such a full bag of tricks and enthusiastic feedback, don’t be surprised to see it trundling down a street near you soon!
