AR/VR can help extend critical infrastructure lifespan

Waterloo engineers have developed a cutting-edge system that will revolutionize structural inspection and management

By Media Relations

Engineers at the University of Waterloo are using augmented and virtual reality (AR/VR) to enhance the inspection and maintenance of Canada's aging infrastructure. Traditional on-site inspections are limited, as inspectors cannot always detect every issue in large structures like bridges and pipelines. To address this, Professor Chul Min Yeum and his team developed the Smart Infrastructure Metaverse, which enables on-site and off-site inspectors to collaborate by simultaneously viewing both the real structure and a 3D model.

This innovative system offers faster, more comprehensive results than standard inspections, providing a complete context for structural issues. As much of Canada’s infrastructure is nearing the end of its lifespan, Yeum's solution addresses urgent public safety risks. The technology, funded by the Rogers-University of Waterloo Partnership, uses AR/VR headsets and AI to track inspectors’ positions and analyze structural images in real-time.

The research team tested their system on a railway bridge in Kitchener, Ontario, with both on-site and remote engineers participating. This collaborative approach ensures accuracy in inspections and extends the lifespan of critical infrastructure, reducing the need for costly replacements.

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