Something transformational is happening in an unexpected place. Sixty feet below Macomb County, Michigan, the Public Works commissioner’s office is using drones and AI to inspect sewer lines. It’s the first time the state has deployed this type of drone and AI, which let workers scrutinize lines more safely, cheaply and efficiently than ever before.
The county’s sewer transmission line serves 850,000 residents in 25 municipalities, including Detroit. Regular inspections are an absolute necessity to prevent collapses like one that occurred in 2016. That incident led to the evacuation of 23 homes and the condemnation of several houses.
The sewer drones, outfitted with LED lights and protective cages, carry high-definition video cameras through large interceptor drains that collect and remove water from the soil. An AI system analyzes the footage to look for compromised areas and make recommendations to engineers. The flights and AI inspections make what used to be months of work possible within mere days. They cost the county less than $100,000, and no new staffing was required.
Commissioner Candice Miller called the technology “transformational” and spoke of the excitement surrounding the change. She predicts other jurisdictions will switch to the same type of system. For Macomb, she believes it will lead to millions of dollars in savings, more frequent inspections, better information about the sewer infrastructure and a safer community.
This article appears in our guide, “Getting Practical with AI.” For more examples of how agencies are making real-world use of AI technology, download it here:
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