Drone supported inspection of bridges

Important results from the project

The aim of the project was to develop tools to combine data collection using drones with photogrammetry and machine learning to automate large parts of the work with inspections of bridges and other construction works. The development of the proposed tools proved to require a higher maturity in terms of digital product development than originally adopted by the initiators and a large part of the project´s resources were devoted to building up the corresponding knowledge and ability. The end result was that the project team members now have the maturity that had been required initially.

Expected long term effects

The result of the project consists of three parts: knowledge of digital product development and agile methodology, knowledge of basic tools for professional development of code such as version management, unit testing, best practices and devops, and an internal report. In addition to this, a work plan for a first so-called "minimum viable product" has been drawn up, but unfortunately has not had time to develop.

Approach and implementation

The arrangement was described in quite some detail in the project application, but could not be implemented at the pace assumed by the project group. This is due to two main factors: basic skills in digital product development were lacking and Tyréns could not provide a suitable working environment for the project team. These two factors together created difficult obstacles for the project team. Insights into this have, however, led to both the project group and Tyréns IT-organisation now having a good understanding of what conditions are required for digital product development.