Markham wins Smart Cities North America Award for AI pilot project to detect potholes

“The City of Markham is honoured to be recognized with a Smart Cities North America Award for our innovative data-focused approach to ensuring our road infrastructure is monitored and maintained,” said Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti. “We have worked alongside Visual Defense to implement their ROVER AI app to quickly and thoroughly identify deficiencies and execute timely improvements. The City of Markham is committed to driving innovative change and leveraging technology to improve operations and services."

In 2020 the City of Markham initiated a pilot project in collaboration with Visual Defence to mount a ROVER app-enabled smartphone to a patrol vehicle’s windshield. The AI finds potholes automatically using a smartphone’s camera and machine learning, and then uploads the information to the cloud. City staff regularly review the recorded incidents through a browser and send crews to conduct repairs.

This pilot has resulted in a 200% to 400% improvement in pothole reporting, enabling City staff to address potholes earlier, before they become a hazard to drivers, cyclists and pedestrians, and also saving on repair costs. Due to the success of the pilot program, it has been expanded to equip five city vehicles.

“The winners of our fourth annual SCNAA represent the most innovative and forward-thinking municipalities across North America, dedicated to making cities more livable and uncovering new ways to offer services and economic opportunities for all its citizens,” said Ruthbea Yesner, Vice President, IDC Government Insights and Smart Cities and Communities Strategies. “We are proud to shine a spotlight on these successful smart city initiatives and encourage the next generation of change makers for the greater good of our communities.”

IDC Government Insights’ SCNAA recognizes the progress of North American municipalities in executing Smart Cities projects, and provides a forum for sharing best practices. Winners, including New York City, Arizona State University, Las Vegas, and Philadelphia, and will be honored at Smart Cities Connect from October 19 – 21.

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