ILIGAN CITY (PIA) — “InfraspeX is revolutionizing bridge and road inspections with advanced drones, AI-powered analysis, and a user-friendly platform. Funded by DOST-PCIEERD (Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Council for Industry, Energy, and Emerging Technology Research and Development) and developed at our very own MSU-IIT (Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology), it provides faster, safer, and more accurate inspections, giving real-time insights for better maintenance and infrastructure safety,” said Dr. Carl John Salaan, MSU-IIT.
The “Golden Age of Infrastructure”—this was the premonition of the Build, Build, Build program imposed during former President Rodrigo Duterte’s presidency term—a response after, as according to the World Economic Forum Competitiveness Rankings, among the ASEAN-5 countries, the Philippines has the worst overall infrastructure since 2010.
The Senate of the Philippines reported in its publication, At The Glance, that the program’s estimated cost was P9 trillion. Additionally, as stated in the article “Department of Financing The Philippine Golden Age Of Infrastructure” published on the website of the Budget and Management, the Duterte administration intended to spend P8 to P9 million in the medium term and was expected to spend 5.4 percent of the country’s Gross Domestic Product and was expected to raise it by 7.3 percent in 2022.
At the end of Duterte’s term, only 12 out of the 119 proposed projects were finished. However, despite such a low number, the program’s initiative was continued by the administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. through the Build More Better program.
Considering all this investment, isn’t it both strategically and financially vital for the government and industry to invest in preventative measures?
The development of Infraspek
Salaan, a professor as well as the director of the Center for Mechatronics and Robotics Department of Mechanical Engineering and Technology at Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology, is currently working on a project titled “FASTRAC: Enhancement and Validation of Infraspek as Spin-Off from DOST-funded Project Shelled-UAV,” under the Department of Science and Technology (DOST)-initiated program Funding Assistance for Spin-Off and Translation of Research in Advancing Commercialization Program.
The main goals of the project are to automate inspections of infrastructure, create AI-powered systems to improve the speed and accuracy of inspections, and set up a shared web platform so that data collectors, civil engineers, and other interested parties can work together to analyze real-time data.
“InfraspeX is the result of several research projects that have evolved over time. It began with the Shelled Unmanned Automatic Vehicle (UAV) Project, where the UAV was then utilized for bridge inspection. Later, the project expanded to include another initiative focused on road inspection. By combining these innovations—UAV technology, AI, and data analysis—InfraspeX aims to provide a comprehensive solution for infrastructure monitoring,” Salaan said in an interview.
But how does this project relate to the infrastructural issue of the Philippines?
The advanced capabilities of InfraspeX
According to the article “Analyzing Philippine Infrastructure Failures” published on the Richest Philippines website, the infrastructure setback of the country is marred with issues of financial constraints, corruption, futile efforts of investment, and building of infrastructures due to a lack of feasible studies, struggles of balancing ecological harm, and the dilemma of maintenance. The tragic collapses of the Manila Film Center in 1981 and the Chuzon Supermarket in 2019 are well-known unfortunate results of inadequate structure monitoring.
To address the monitoring issues “InfraspeX focuses on integrating advanced technologies for efficient infrastructure inspection,” says Salaan.
Being funded by the DOST-Philippine Council for Industry, Energy, and Emerging Technology Research and Development (PCIEERD), the three-phase methodology, while utilizing advanced technologies, was applied in the project.
Hardware technologies were used in collecting raw data, which includes a shelled drone with a protective shell and waterproof design—ideal for close proximity inspections of infrastructures near bodies of water; High-Quality Image Drone—utilizes high-resolution cameras for more detailed images and videos for precise detection of defects; Drone with extended camera that is vital for coverage-wise aspects through reaching hard-to-access areas; Aerial-based 3D mapping that aids spatial analysis and structural assessment and 2D LiDAR for road depth measurement.
The gathered data are then uploaded and processed through AI algorithms, which include the Road Inspection Tool—identifies and classifies road infrastructure defects; the Bridge Inspection Tool—detects and evaluates structural damage; and the LiDAR Technology Tool—creates detailed 3D infrastructure models and provides precise 2D surface measurements for depth and structural analysis.
The inspection workflow is then managed through a web-based platform, allowing teams to upload, review, and assess data collaboratively. Salaan further asserted that “feedback from engineers and stakeholders is continuously incorporated to refine and improve the AI models inspection methods.”.
But why? Why should we construct infrastructure when our financial resources are limited?
Despite the arguments of critics of not affording and disagreement with the constant external financial reliance, in an international setting, striving for infrastructural development is more of a strategic move than a mere waste of resources. In an increasingly interconnected world—wherein tangible and intangible resources are constantly traded—development is the only viable path. However, according to the World Bank, without adequate infrastructure, the economic growth would be negatively affected, as a nation’s ability to form partnerships and attract investors depends on its capacity to support and cater to the fast-paced progress of modern society.
While focusing on the national setting, as an archipelagic nation, the transportation system is a key factor to development. Therefore, infrastructures—such as roads and bridges–is not a luxury or an attempt to hop in a trend, but a fundamental aspect in order to aspire to connectivity as well as economic efficiency. Additionally, the Philippines, as an agrarian nation investing in a better network of transport, will ensure long-term national growth and stability.
The Transformative Potential of InfraspeX
“A key strength of InfraspeX is its ability to detect early signs of structural damage, facilitating preventive maintenance and minimizing costly repairs,” Salaan stated. Furthermore, its scalability offers transformative benefits to different aspects.
First off, in the scientific field, the results and developments of the project advance research and development in AI, robotics, and infrastructure monitoring. Its interdisciplinary approach, involving fields such as civil engineering, computer science, and mechanical engineering, serves as a platform for collaboration and innovation.
In the field of industry, “InfraspeX” introduces a more efficient and cost-effective alternative to traditional inspection methods, thereby reducing the time and labor required while improving the accuracy of defect detection. The integration of AI and drone technology fosters innovation and modernization within the construction and infrastructure sectors.
Most importantly, “InfraspeX contributes to the public safety of a community and improved quality of life.” The key early detection skill of the prototype ensures proper preventive measures, therefore reducing the likelihood of tragedies—resulting in disruptions of everyday life and economic flow—to happen.
Before hearing any criticism from you in the comments, rest assured that the amazing capabilities and effectiveness of the project is validated through constant communication and real-world inspections with the Department of Public Works and Highways.
Salaan emphasized that “to ensure accuracy and reliability, pilot tests are conducted on actual roads and bridges, validating the system’s performance in real-world scenarios.”
“Istorya lang man na taman (Bet it is all talk),” he added.
The team is currently working with the Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology’s Knowledge and Technology Transfer Office to develop a Technology Licensing Agreement. This will allow the technology to be licensed and used by industry partners or agencies, with potential outputs including inspection software, custom reports, and maintenance recommendations. (MSU-IIT-OVCRE/PIA-10/Lanao del Norte)
