Maintain-AI is an AI tool for the road asset management field, whose core goal is to use artificial intelligence to achieve efficient road assessment and optimize maintenance budgets. According to its official introduction, Maintain-AI uses computer vision and machine learning models to detect different defect types and severity levels from collected road network images, as well as to identify and assess numerous other relevant infrastructure elements.
In terms of purpose, Maintain-AI mainly serves road management agencies, asset owners, and maintenance personnel. It is dedicated to solving the budget constraints and time constraints faced in the maintenance of roads and related infrastructure. Its philosophy is built on "good roads cost less," aiming to help "keep good roads in good condition" by supporting more frequent and more consistent road inspections.
Main capabilities include: automated road surface inspection, providing consistent, objective data; optimizing the use of available funds; better communicating funding needs; more objectively assessing, monitoring, and supporting management of the entire pavement network; and improving the efficiency of other useful but more expensive systems. In addition, Maintain-AI also collects and analyzes sidewalk/trail data. Data is recorded and reviewed through an intuitive dashboard.
In terms of usage, Maintain-AI operates by analyzing collected road network images. Users (asset owners and maintainers) can, by working with Maintain-AI, collect data more easily and gather consistent pavement and surrounding infrastructure information in a more objective and more cost-effective way. This information is analyzed through innovative machine learning algorithms and recorded and reviewed through an intuitive dashboard. Officials encourage users to try its machine learning solution to assess whether it fits their own needs. The cooperation method is flexible, and users can choose whether to make a long-term commitment.
Applicable scenarios include: road network asset management, preventive pavement maintenance, budget optimization decision-making, infrastructure condition monitoring, and more. Official survey data shows that 62.6% of respondents are dissatisfied with the current pavement and road conditions, and 63.1% believe that road management departments should explore new approaches such as artificial intelligence for improvement.
In terms of limitations, Maintain-AI officially acknowledges that its technology has not yet completely replaced existing pavement network analysis methods, but it is continuously evolving. Officials emphasize that roads will not wait for ideal technology to identify problems, and road conditions will continue to deteriorate at an exponential rate unless action is taken. Therefore, the first step is to collect data continuously, objectively, and efficiently. In addition, the website mentions that when processing large amounts of data, some charts may take some time to load due to internet speed. The website also states that it does not collect personal information and allows users to opt out of visit statistics.