Prof. Ing. Carl James Debono

Powering Structural Resilience in Concrete Bridges with AI, Robotics and Computer Vision

Abstract:

Concrete bridge structures, especially in coastal regions, face increasing threats from aging, extreme weather, harsh marine environments, and structural fatigue. Traditional inspection techniques are labour-intensive and often limited in scope, falling short in providing timely, accurate assessments of the whole structural health.
 
This plenary talk explores how the integration of AI, climbing robots, and computer vision is changing concrete bridge inspection and maintenance.  We introduce an innovative, fully automated approach to bridge health monitoring that combines wall-climbing robotic platforms, advanced computer vision, machine learning, and 3D point cloud fusion to perform inspections in complex, real-world environments. The talk highlights a framework where data-driven trajectory planning, deep learning-based damage detection, and finite element (FE) structural modelling work together to evaluate the structural integrity of concrete bridges. Additionally, Integrating Building Information Modelling (BIM) and semantic data management support real-time structural assessments. The framework enables the creation of immersive digital environments where surveyors can conduct virtual inspections safely and without disruptions due to bridge closures. This keynote will demonstrate how these technologies pave the way for scalable, sustainable, and intelligent infrastructure inspection, reducing risk, optimizing performance, and enhancing public safety.