News & Events
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Robotic ‘pothole police’ innovator accelerates plans to revolutionise road repairs
Daresbury, UK. 4th November 2020 – University spin out, Robotiz3d, is to begin developing the world’s first autonomous robot to patrol the streets in search of potholes, following successful private investment.
This innovation is set to revolutionise the maintenance of UK roads by local authorities and private highways maintenance companies; Robotiz3d has already mooted commercial interest from within the public and private sectors. |
This first equity round for Robotiz3d involves a cash injection from a2e Industries and the University of Liverpool. It is exciting news for road users, with the company set to bring world-leading innovation to roads and motorways, specifically targeting the crackdown of potholes.
Potholes are the bane of UK motorists causing damage to vehicles and cost to councils. Almost two million potholes are fixed every year, yet more are appearing on UK roads each day. Conventional and manual methods are inefficient and cannot cope with this spiralling problem. Robotiz3d promises true innovation to overcome these challenges.
Backed by four years of research, and two patent pending technologies, the Robotiz3d solution could see autonomous robots with artificial intelligence scouring UK roads with the ability to identify existing potholes and repair cracks before they have chance to develop.
Dr Paolo Paoletti, CTO, Robotiz3d, said, “The Robotiz3d solution will autonomously identify and localise potholes, characterise their geometry and collect measurements on the go. The ability to automatically deposit sealing material, fixing smaller cracks before they evolve into potholes, is also a first.
“These features, coupled with a prediction algorithm to help prioritise work schedules, are anticipated to improve the safety and lifespan of road networks, make maintenance tasks COVID-resilient, and contribute to reductions in road repair costs, fuel consumption, GHG emission, and tyre wear.”
Amin Amiri, CEO of a2e Industries, commented, “This is a true innovation that can help the UK save public money and save hassle for the citizen. We’re confident in Robotiz3d and its highly capable engineering and management team to bring this much-needed technology to market. The technology could eventually solve one of the most endemic worldwide problems of the logistics and transport industry, with transformative impact.”
Efforts to partner end-user organisations to ensure meaningful product development have also kick started. Hertfordshire County Council is currently leading the pack in collaborative activities with the company and is not only one of the leading highways asset management practitioners in the UK, but also winner of the `Best Use of New Technology in the Highway Industry 2019’. Phil Bibby, Executive Member for Highways and Environment said: “We are delighted to offer our expertise and help embed real life practical requirements into the development. It’s exciting to be part of the progress and we are keen to trial the prototype.”
Potholes are the bane of UK motorists causing damage to vehicles and cost to councils. Almost two million potholes are fixed every year, yet more are appearing on UK roads each day. Conventional and manual methods are inefficient and cannot cope with this spiralling problem. Robotiz3d promises true innovation to overcome these challenges.
Backed by four years of research, and two patent pending technologies, the Robotiz3d solution could see autonomous robots with artificial intelligence scouring UK roads with the ability to identify existing potholes and repair cracks before they have chance to develop.
Dr Paolo Paoletti, CTO, Robotiz3d, said, “The Robotiz3d solution will autonomously identify and localise potholes, characterise their geometry and collect measurements on the go. The ability to automatically deposit sealing material, fixing smaller cracks before they evolve into potholes, is also a first.
“These features, coupled with a prediction algorithm to help prioritise work schedules, are anticipated to improve the safety and lifespan of road networks, make maintenance tasks COVID-resilient, and contribute to reductions in road repair costs, fuel consumption, GHG emission, and tyre wear.”
Amin Amiri, CEO of a2e Industries, commented, “This is a true innovation that can help the UK save public money and save hassle for the citizen. We’re confident in Robotiz3d and its highly capable engineering and management team to bring this much-needed technology to market. The technology could eventually solve one of the most endemic worldwide problems of the logistics and transport industry, with transformative impact.”
Efforts to partner end-user organisations to ensure meaningful product development have also kick started. Hertfordshire County Council is currently leading the pack in collaborative activities with the company and is not only one of the leading highways asset management practitioners in the UK, but also winner of the `Best Use of New Technology in the Highway Industry 2019’. Phil Bibby, Executive Member for Highways and Environment said: “We are delighted to offer our expertise and help embed real life practical requirements into the development. It’s exciting to be part of the progress and we are keen to trial the prototype.”
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University of Liverpool announces the spin-off of Robotized
22 October, 2020 The University of Liverpool has formed a new spin out company – Robotiz3d Ltd – to take forward new technology that has the potential to radically transform road maintenance. Robotiz3d Ltd is a joint venture spin out company established in partnership with A2e Ltd and will receive investment from the University’s Enterprise Investment Fund, alongside private equity investment from a2e Ltd. The company will commercialise patented research from the University’s Engineering Robotics Lab. The technology uses Artificial Intelligence and robotics to significantly improve the way road defects, including pot holes and road cracks, are detected and repaired. Read more |