First autonomous pothole

Maintenance simplified

The idea began as a research project at the University of Liverpool in 2016. Four years later, the university researchers established Robotiz3d Ltd, a new spinout company tasked with advancing innovative road maintenance technology. 

In 2023, the firm developed ARESS Eye, a system to analyze and survey road surface conditions without human intervention. The retrofit equipment can collect data while traveling up to 60 miles per hour (96 kilometers per hour), and the road maintenance vehicle scans one lane at a time with a Field of View (FoV) reaching up to three meters (~9.8 feet)

It offers detailed depth information and volumetric data, ensuring comprehensive analysis of road defects. This versatile system provides highly accurate data on defect types and precise locations, empowering efficient and effective maintenance efforts.

In an extension of the system, the ARRES Prevent robot operates autonomously or via remote control, patrolling roads to identify and seal cracks and mitigate pothole formation. This battery-powered vehicle, resembling a small van, offers versatility and efficiency in road maintenance by seamlessly recording repair specifics and locations for stringent quality control measures.

The system can also work day or night, unaffected by lighting conditions, ensuring uninterrupted service. Furthermore, its remote data access feature allows real-time monitoring and management of operations from the office, facilitating prompt decision-making and streamlined workflow oversight, according to Robotiz3d. 

Reducing expenditure

Potholes pose a significant challenge for UK motorists, resulting in vehicle damage and substantial costs for councils. The firm estimates that $2.2 billion is the annual pothole-related costs to the UK drivers. Despite efforts to fix nearly two million potholes annually, new ones continue to emerge daily, overwhelming conventional manual repair methods.

The company claims that its technology can offer a remarkable 90 percent cost reduction compared to traditional road maintenance methods and a 70 percent increase in speed. Utilizing autonomous technology accelerates repair times significantly, surpassing manual methods. 

Moreover, the approach yields three times less CO₂emissions, thanks to its efficient processes and reliance on electric technologies, resulting in a reduced environmental footprint, according to Robotiz3d.

Although still in its pilot phase, the new vehicle has undergone rigorous lab testing. Its inaugural real-world road repair is scheduled for early this year on a residential street in Hertfordshire, marking a significant milestone in its deployment.