The Sinkhole Scare: A Prelude to Innovation

On Christmas Eve 2016, residents in Fraser, Michigan, were startled by a popping sound resonating through their walls. What they initially brushed off as the sound of melting snow turned into a shocking reality: their home was succumbing to a sinkhole, caused by a collapsed sewer interceptor threatening local residences and a bustling road. The aftermath set off alarm bells for the local community.

A Costly Conundrum

Vince Astorino, the Operations Director at the Macomb County Public Works Office, stepped into a crisis. A significant sewer pipe, about 11 feet wide and 70 feet deep, had failed, endangering wastewater flow for approximately 800,000 residents. Thanks to Astorino's quick thinking, emergency bypass systems were implemented, but one home faced demolition, and the pipe replacement would cost taxpayers approximately $75 million.

From Darkness to Drones

To avert such disasters in the future, regular inspections of sewer lines are crucial. However, traditional inspection methods are fraught with challenges, including narrow, hazardous pipes filled with gas. Enter drones: advanced flying robots designed to probe these confined spaces more safely and efficiently.

Meet the Elios 3: A Game-Changer in Inspections

The Elios 3 drone by Swiss firm Flyability is an industry favorite, equipped with a protective cage, superior lighting, and high-resolution cameras. This technological marvel enables detailed inspections and builds live 3D maps of sewer environments—all while eliminating the need for human inspectors to enter treacherous spaces.

Efficiency Overhaul: The Cost Benefits of Drone Inspections

Eloise McMinn Mitchell from Flyability highlights a striking financial advantage: inspections using the Elios 3 can save around 40% compared to traditional methods, completing inspections 2.25 times faster. This leap in efficiency is essential for communities looking to optimize budget and safety.

A New Era for Macomb County: Drones and AI Team Up

In 2024, Macomb County adopted an innovative combination of a drone and AI software called SewerAI, investing $100,000 to enhance inspection processes. Previously spending a staggering $1 million every three years on manual inspections, this shift marked a landmark evolution in local infrastructure management.

Capturing Clarity: The Asio X Drone

With the new Asio X drone, inspections are now smoother than ever. Featuring powerful lights and a clear 4K camera, it can traverse nearly every sewer pipe imaginable. Under Astorino's guidance, the county's main operator expertly navigates these complex environments, capturing vital data to ensure safe sewer functionality.

AI-Powered Precision: The Future of Sewer Inspections

The data collected doesn’t just sit idle. It’s analyzed by SewerAI, which identifies sewer defects much faster and more accurately than manual coding. What used to take months for analysis is now often delivered in under 24 hours. This efficiency allows for timely repairs, averting potential hazards and costly overruns.

Pioneering Technology in Michigan

Macomb County has taken the lead in Michigan by being the first to employ this blend of drone technology and AI in its underground infrastructure inspections. With two state awards recognizing their innovative approach, Astorino and his team continue to explore the latest tech developments, reinforcing a future where disasters are no longer a threat.