AI-Powered Drones Revolutionize Sewer Inspections in the United States

Image Credit: Selim Arda Eryilmaz | Splash
Macomb County, Michigan, has adopted AI-powered drones to enhance sewer system maintenance, improving the efficiency, safety, and accuracy of infrastructure inspections. Introduced in May 2024, this technology addresses challenges posed by aging sewer lines, aiming to prevent costly failures while reducing operational costs. The initiative continues to position the county as a leader in innovative public works solutions.
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Implementation of AI-Powered Drones
In May 2024, Macomb County’s Public Works Office deployed the Asio X drone, developed by Flybotix, for sewer inspections. Approximately 16 inches in diameter, the drone features a 4K camera, 40,000-lumen lights, and a protective cage, allowing it to navigate hazardous sewer environments. Operated remotely by two personnel, the Asio X reduces the need for extensive crews and traffic disruptions compared to traditional tethered crawlers or manual inspections. The county invested US$100,000 in the drone and SewerAI software, a fraction of the US$1 million spent every three years on manual inspections. Since launch, the system has been streamlining inspections across the county’s sewer network.
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AI-Driven Data Analysis
The Asio X captures high-resolution video, which SewerAI’s AutoCode software analyzes to detect defects like cracks, blockages, and structural weaknesses. With a reported 97% accuracy rate, the AI surpasses human inspectors, who previously relied on lower-quality imagery, and delivers results in 24 hours to 10 days, compared to months for manual analysis. By eliminating the need for workers to enter dangerous sewers, the technology enhances safety while providing precise data for maintenance planning. The system has processed data from over 400,000 linear feet of pipe and 650 manholes, supporting the county’s asset management strategy.
Impact on Costs and Efficiency
The adoption of AI-powered drones has significantly reduced inspection costs, replacing the $1 million triennial expense with a one-time $100,000 investment. The system minimizes the need for large teams and road closures, reducing community disruptions. The AI’s accuracy has deferred an estimated US$4 million in unnecessary repairs by identifying areas where immediate action was not required. This approach helps prevent disasters like the 2016 Fraser sinkhole, which cost US$75 million after a sewer collapse, by enabling proactive maintenance.
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Recognition and Broader Implications
Led by Public Works Commissioner Candice Miller, Macomb County is recognized as the first in Michigan to combine drones and AI for sewer inspections, setting a precedent for modernizing public works. The initiative has inspired discussions about scalable solutions for aging infrastructure, with Miller predicting other municipalities may follow. The technology’s success underscores its potential to transform infrastructure management across urban and rural communities.

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