COUNCIL chiefs could be about to turn to artificial intelligence in order to keep Argyll and Bute on the move.
A report has suggests that AI technology is being considered by officers for helping monitor the condition of the area’s roads, pavements, bridges and marine assets.
It could also be used to provide more accurate and up-to-date information during times of service disruption.
The report will be considered by members of the council’s environment, development and infrastructure committee on Thursday, March 5.
Kirsty Flanagan, the authority’s interim executive director with responsibility for roads and infrastructure services, said: “AI is becoming increasingly popular and may well have a role to play in monitoring structures and other infrastructure.
“Officers are currently considering various opportunities for which AI could be utilised.
"Whilst the use of this technology is in its infancy, it is anticipated that over the next two to three years there will be an increase in use of AI.
“Through the use of data captured through video survey and through algorithms, projections of future deterioration/condition [AI] should be able to be modelled which will enable a greater focus on a stitch in time/right first time fixes.
“AI has got potential for use across the marine sector, bridges and structures as well as carriageway and footway surfaces.
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“It is not expected that AI will fully replace the current inspection regime, more that it would provide earlier indication of possible failure and also reprioritise how our existing resource can be best utilised.
“There is further scope to develop the ‘internet of things’ including data transfer between systems and over networks.”
Ms Flanagan said that “initial discussions” had taken place between the council’s ICT team and the Scottish Government’s digital office about a detection system being implemented for ports and harbours.
It is felt that this would help harbourmasters during out of hours periods and free up time, with a rota standby system in place.
Ms Flanagan added: “Route optimisation is being progressed to provide effective and efficient logistical routing for a number of the operations carried out by the service.
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“This would include activities such as routing for bin collections, winter maintenance, gully emptying, mechanical street sweeping, routing for safety inspections etc.
“Route optimisation would also allow for live re-routing in the event of a vehicle breakdown.
“This technology, coupled with on board satellite navigation equipment, would enable effective and efficient deployment of the council’s fleet.
“This would also have the benefit of being able to provide more up to date and accurate information relating to service disruptions.”
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