MUSCAT: Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming public services worldwide, enhancing efficiency, sustainability and quality of life. As cities face growing infrastructure challenges, smart solutions are becoming essential to address issues such as potholes on asphalt roads, which impact traffic safety and increase maintenance costs.
A groundbreaking Omani innovation - a drone equipped with AI to detect and repair potholes - has emerged as a game-changer. This innovation, which secured third place at Al Sharqiyah South Hackathon’s ‘Idea Makers’ initiative, showcases how advanced technology can revolutionise public services and drive the development of smarter cities.
Road deterioration due to climate change and heavy traffic leads to potholes and cracks, posing safety risks and increasing maintenance costs. Traditional detection and repair methods are often slow and expensive, highlighting the need for more efficient, AI-driven solutions.
The Omani AI-powered drone provides a fast and automated approach to road maintenance:
They can scan roads using cameras and sensors to detect potholes, analyse damage using AI to assess severity and location and communicate with a central system for real-time coordination. They are able to execute repairs automatically, filling potholes with asphalt.
Some of its key benefits include faster maintenance and repairs take hours instead of days, reducing road closures.
They have lower operational costs compared to traditional methods and have enhanced safety with immediate repairs to prevent accidents.
They also help reduce reliance on heavy equipment and human labour.
Al Sharqiyah South Governorate emphasises that adopting smart solutions aligns with Oman Vision 2040, which prioritises modern technologies for sustainable development. Supporting such innovations can significantly improve public services, enhance infrastructure and boost economic growth.
Residents, including Hamoud al Ghailani, have welcomed the project. He noted, “Sudden potholes cause accidents and damage vehicles. AI-powered drones offer an innovative, effective solution, and we hope to see them implemented across Oman soon.”
Beyond road maintenance, AI can revolutionise traffic management by optimising vehicle flow. They can also bridge and facilitate monitoring to detect structural issues early and smart waste management through robotic street cleaning.
With continued investment and collaboration between the public and private sectors, Oman is moving closer to fully integrating AI into public services, ensuring safer, smarter and more sustainable cities.
The AI-powered road maintenance drone is just the beginning - its success depends on wider adoption and government support. With the right infrastructure in place, Oman’s cities can embrace cutting-edge technologies and set a benchmark for smart urban development.
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