Artificial intelligence is no longer a distant concept for the wastewater industry. It is becoming part of the conversation around how sewer inspection data is collected, evaluated and put to work.
For years, CCTV inspection has been the foundation of sewer condition assessment. Operators capture detailed footage, document observations and log the condition of underground assets. This process has created enormous volumes of inspection data. As the industry looks for more efficient and consistent ways to evaluate that information, AI and automated defect recognition are emerging as important tools.
NASSCO recognizes AI and machine learning as part of the industry’s evolving toolbox, while also emphasizing the importance of good inspection images, standardized data and appropriate quality control. NASSCO’s guidance describes current automated defect recognition as an assisted approach and notes that great video quality and more diverse imagery can improve the ability of machine learning systems to recognize defects consistently.
As AI-assisted workflows become the norm, the inspection software behind them becomes increasingly important. Moving inspection footage and data between different stages of the analysis process requires flexibility, compatibility and control over the information being delivered.
IKAS Evolution: Built for the future
Temporary data overlays included with IKAS Evolution give operators greater control over how inspection information is presented. Inspection data can be separated from the video itself, preserving a clean image without text or graphics. The clean video without overlays can be sent off for AI-assisted coding, and then that data can be combined with the original footage again for a complete deliverable.
Importing and exporting is easy and efficient with IKAS Evolution. With multiple options for importing/exporting inspection footage and data, operators have flexibility when information needs to be moved between different systems, workflows or stages of analysis. That flexibility can help keep the process moving without any missing data or limiting how that information can be used. When inspection information is moving through various analysis workflows, you don’t want your software to become the bottleneck.
While new technologies may change how inspections are analyzed, the operator remains an essential part of the process. IKAS Evolution makes it easy to review coded inspection footage, quickly check incoming information and make the proper adjustments when needed. This is incredibly important for quality control while reviewing inspection data, especially data that is new to the operator. This provides an efficient way to maintain oversight of the inspection data and ensure the final results reflect the accurate condition observed in the field.
Ready for what’s next
The future of sewer inspection will continue to evolve. AI-assisted analysis is one part of that evolution, but the foundation remains the same. High-quality inspection footage, reliable software and experienced professionals who understand the data and what they are seeing. IKAS Evolution brings those pieces together in a platform designed to keep pace with the changing demands of sewer analysis.
RapidView was originally founded in 1991 as R&R Visual. The company then began developing and providing unique inspection solutions to the nuclear, petrochemical, industrial and municipal sewer industries.
800-656-4225 | info@rapidview.com | rapidview.com
