DrivebuddyAI Wins Patent for AI-Powered Real-Time Road Quality Assessment System

Indian automotive software developer DrivebuddyAI has been granted a patent for its real-time road quality detection, mapping, and communication system. The company says its AI-driven analytics technology can automatically potholes, cracks, debris, waterlogging, and other dangers. The system is aimed at solving the compliance, driver safety, and risk management needs of fleet operators.

The patent, titled Integrated Dynamic Road Quality Assessment System and Method Thereof, covers a system using a sensor module for acquiring GNSS location data, speed, direction and orientation along with video cameras. When a car passes over a pothole, for example, the system detects sudden vertical displacement, vibration, and a change in acceleration indicative of a pothole.

ALSO READ: NHAI to Create AI-Powered Dashcam Network to Monitor Highway Road Conditions

The sensor and vision data is processed to derive road condition data which can then be analysed, geotagged, and uploaded to a common map and database. Deep learning, computer vision, and AI are leveraged to identify and categorise road condition issues. Video frames captured up to 10 seconds before an event is logged can be used to confirm the sensor data. Information about road conditions can then be shared with other drivers or vehicles using visual, audio, haptic alerts, or digital signboards. 

Operators can then choose to optimise routes for road condition rather than time or distance, in order to protect delicate cargo, reduce driver fatigue, and even keep vehicles from degrading too quickly. DrivebuddyAI says it has already trained its AI models on over four billion kilometres of road data.

Combining sensor detection with AI-powered video analysis improves accuracy. The Ahmedabad-based company says it can help improve road safety as well as efficiency for fleet operators. As vehicles send new data, the dynamic map can be updated. Relevant authorities can also get actionable, location-specific data about infrastructure issues via an API or dashboard in order to take appropriate action as they are detected.  

In a statement, DrivebuddyAI CEO Nisarg Pandya said “Potholes remain one of India’s most pervasive road safety hazards. Our patented system effectively turns every fleet vehicle into a road monitoring unit. By combining onboard sensors with AI-powered vision, the system can identify and map potential danger spots across road networks in real time. This data not only helps fleets avoid vehicle damage and operational disruptions, but also enables authorities to identify and address road issues before they lead to accidents.”