5G-enabled Drone-based Online Inspection System

Canada’s infrastructure is falling apart quickly, and we can’t replace it fast enough. In 2020, Ontario’s municipal infrastructure needed around $52 billion in repairs, according to a recent study by the Financial Accountability Officer of Ontario. If we keep postponing repairs, there’s a big risk of services getting disrupted and maintenance costs skyrocketing. The problem is that most assessments of infrastructure today use old-fashioned, time- consuming methods that aren’t very efficient. We need to use new technologies that are affordable and reliable to assess our infrastructure’s condition and manage repairs and replacements. This project plans to use 5G technology to solve the unique challenges of assessing infrastructure. By using drones, augmented reality headsets, virtual reality, and powerful computer vision technology, we can inspect and communicate in real-time, both on-site and remotely. This advanced technology will make inspections faster and more effective. It will also encourage the growth of innovative networks involving companies like Rogers and start-ups. By tapping into the global market for asset inspections and maintenance, which is worth hundreds of millions of dollars each year, even a small amount of cost savings from technological improvements will bring significant benefits.

Faculty Supervisor:

Chul Min Yeum

Student:

Partner:

Rogers Communications Inc.;University of Waterloo

Discipline:

Engineering

Sector:

Information and cultural industries

University:

University of Waterloo

Program: