Chapter 11. Robotics-Enabled Roadwork Maintenance and Upgrading

Abstract

In the contemporary era, road infrastructure stands as a paramount public asset, serving as a linchpin for economic expansion and societal progress by facilitating access to essential services such as education, health, and employment opportunities. These complex networks, critical for sustaining modern economies, necessitate meticulous upkeep and modernization efforts to ensure the safety, health, and efficiency expected by road users. This chapter delves into the strides undertaken by the EU-funded HERON project, aimed at transforming the maintenance landscape of road infrastructure through the implementation of an advanced integrated system. This project heralds a significant evolution in road management strategies, potentially lowering the frequency of accidents, diminishing maintenance expenditure, and amplifying the capacity and efficiency of the road network at large. Central to the HERON project is the advent of a sophisticated autonomous robotic ground vehicle, augmented with the support of independent drones. These technological advancements work in synergy, utilizing high-resolution sensors and