AI technology could change how potholes are repaired in Ohio

WLWT-5 highlighted a research partnership between the University of Cincinnati, Honda Motor Co. and the Ohio Department of Transportation that could revolutionize the way potholes and other road problems are fixed.

UC College of Engineering and Applied Science Professor Munir Nazzal led a pilot project that demonstrated how vehicles can use dashboard cameras and sensors to track and report issues like damaged guardrails, potholes, faded or missing lane markings and other deficiencies.

Honda recently shared the results of its pilot project showing how the company's Proactive Roadway Maintenance System works in real-world conditions in Ohio.

Working with Parsons Corp. and i-Probe Inc., the research team tested more than 3,000 miles of Ohio roads, providing valuable sensor data about road roughness and maintenance needs. Honda said the system demonstrated 99% accuracy for detecting damaged or obstructed signs; 93% accuracy in detecting damaged guardrails and 89% accurate in identifying potholes, including their severity and location.

“The vehicle will be the way that you can monitor and assess the infrastructure, basically to make the roads safer,“ Nazzal told WLWT-5.

Sue Bai, chief engineer at American Honda Motor Co., told WLWT-5 the project could help ODOT redirect its priorities.

“ODOT can now focus on fixing the problem instead of detecting the problem because, in the future, the driver will be part of the detection process,“ Bai said.

Watch the WLWT5 report.

Featured image at top: WLWT-5 reporter Thomas Aaron talks to UC Professor Munir Nazzal about a test vehicle used in a pilot program that could revolutionize the way roadways are monitored for potholes and other deficiencies. Photo/Michael Miller