VERITAS is an innovative research and development project that aims to fundamentally improve the maintenance of road infrastructure in Germany, Austria and Switzerland.
With the help of modular camera technology and artificial intelligence, the conditions of road surfaces, road equipment, vegetation and clearance profiles are analyzed – objectively, regularly and efficiently.
In the road maintenance service, freeways and regional roads are currently mostly inspected manually. As a result, many maintenance measures are taken late and inspections are heavily dependent on existing human resources and regional work routines. Existing technical solutions often only cover individual aspects of the infrastructure, are manufacturer-specific and can only be used to a limited extent across national borders.
VERITAS follows a modular approach: First, existing AI solutions, research activities and prototypes in the DACH region are systematically recorded and evaluated in terms of their benefits, functionality and degree of maturity. Based on this and taking into account the needs/requirements of the partners, a prototype acquisition system is to be developed in which various AI analysis components are integrated. This prototype is to be tested under real conditions at selected road maintenance depots, its technical suitability tested and compared with traditional methods.
The special feature of VERITAS is the planned combination of modular system design and vendor-neutral architecture. For the first time, the project enables a comprehensive condition assessment across several infrastructure areas instead of isolated inspections of individual components. In addition, environmental aspects, such as dealing with invasive plant species, will also be taken into account, something that has often been neglected in the past. These innovations create a basis for more sustainable, forward-looking maintenance.
VERITAS benefits both road maintenance services and citizens: Early and reliable warnings allow damage to be detected and repaired in good time, which saves costs and increases road safety. At the same time, transparency is created regarding conditions and measures. The database allows better decisions to be made with a view to protecting the environment and conserving resources.
VERITAS is jointly supported by RISC Software GmbH and Joanneum Research, supported by road maintenance companies from Austria, Switzerland and Germany. These partners bring together experience from practical application, research and technological implementation – a combination that is essential for successfully transferring the project into practice.
