Transport for NSW is undertaking an Australian-first artificial intelligence-enabled drone trial to carry out crucial inspection work on the Sydney Harbour Bridge.
Digital engineers at TfNSW recently completed a three-week trial, deploying the new technology under the southern part of the Harbour Bridge from Dawes Point Park.
Similar trials were also undertaken recently for inspection work on the Gladesville Bridge over the Parramatta River, and at other bridges in regional NSW.
The drones carry technology that captures 4K high-resolution images and is capable of rendering three-dimensional maps of their surroundings.
More than twenty drone pilots have been trained so far, with the goal of seeing it rolled out permanently. In addition, TfNSW has also added water-resistant drones to its fleet, which will enable maintenance crews to inspect the network in the rain and structures underwater.