AI robot developed by UK scientists will 'fix potholes' as costs hit £1billion

22 November 2023 , 23:08

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The autonomous AI pothole filling robot is being designed by British scientists (Image: Sci-Tech Daresbury / SWNS)

The world’s first robot that will find and fix potholes using artificial intelligence has been developed by British scientists.

The self-driving robot, which looks like a cross between a tank and a road roller, was created by Robotiz3d to help local authorities.

Almost two million potholes are fixed in the UK every year but because of the increase in road users and extreme weather, it is expected to get worse.

The robot will help predict road conditions accurately, enabling local authorities to prioritise preventative maintenance.

Robotiz3d hopes the machine will reduce the time and cost, CO2 emissions and material wastage that are associated with repairing potholes. The firm, based at world-leading Daresbury Laboratory in Warrington, Cheshire, also hopes it will improve the lifespan of roads.

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CEO Lisa Layzell said: “This is the first autonomous technology of this kind developed specifically to tackle the pothole crisis, and which is estimated to have cost more than £1billion to repair over the last decade.” Robotiz3d has worked alongside science and innovation campus Sci-Tech Daresbury to create the robot.

The firm’s Paul Vernon said: “I’m extremely proud to be providing Robotiz3d with the right environment to develop and commercialise this world-leading technology, that has the potential to transform our roads’ safety.”

Izzy Hawksworth