INTRODUCTION

Traditional bridge inspections often rely on manual methods that are time-consuming, expensive, and limited in both accessibility and data accuracy.

  • Drone-based bridge inspection is still in its early stages.
  • The urgent need for a standardized, intelligent, and digital inspection framework.

RIEBO provides modern drone bridge inspection solution powered by AI and digital twin technology. The workflow includes:

  • Digital twin modeling
  • Automated flight planning
  • Drone-based data collection
  • AI-driven defect analysis
  • Centralized inspection management

All designed to reduce risk, lower operational costs, and transform how bridge inspections are managed.

"Drone Bridge Inspection Reimagined with AI and Digital Twin Technology."

a flying drone with a camera
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MANUAL INSPECTION VS DRONE WITH AI

  • Aspect
  • Defect Detection
  • Accessibility
  • Efficiency & Cost
  • Data Quality
  • Digital Integration
  • a drone is flying under a bridge
    VS
  • AI-assisted analysis with manual verification ensures precise and comprehensive issue identification.
  • UAVs can easily reach various parts of a bridge, supported by digital twin simulation for full inspection coverage.
  • Low learning and operating costs, easy to use, and highly efficient—single-person operation supported.
  • Captures high-resolution images and sub-millimeter-level measurements using professional cameras and positioning tech.
  • Digital twin integration enables 3D analysis and centralized defect management for data-driven maintenance decisions.
  • traditional bridge inspection with a snooper vehicle
  • Manual inspections are affected by varying skills and responsibility levels, leading to misjudgments and missed defects.
  • High piers and complex bridge components are hard to reach, resulting in blind spots.
  • Inspection vehicles are expensive, inefficient, and pose operational safety concerns.
  • Traditional methods lack complete, high-resolution, and precise data collection.
  • Inspection results are hard to visualize, verify, or integrate into management systems.

OUR DRONE BRIDGE INSPECTION WORKFLOW

STEP1: DIGITAL TWIN MODELING

As part of the fist-time bridge inspection, a centimeter-level precision reality 3D model is created to achieve a digital twin. This model serves two primary purposes: firstly, as a digital base map for the 3D visualization management of defect data, allowing for the display and management of all identified defects on the model; secondly, it provides a basis for flight path planning for autonomous drone inspections.

Considering the structure and characteristics of bridges, Riebo independently developed AeroMapPro flight planning software which can significantly reduce the number of flight paths and aerial photos while ensuring the pass rate of aerial triangulation and model quality, thereby greatly improving modeling efficiency.

Real-world testing has shown that using Riebo's M-series cameras in conjunction with AeroMapPro for bridge 3D modeling, the entire modeling task for a 500-meter bridge, from data acquisition to model generation, takes less than two hours.

reality to 3d model
AeroInspectPro route planning software
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STEP2: ROUTE PLANNING

According to the bridge inspection standards of various countries, the most stringent requirement is to detect concrete cracks with a width of 0.1mm, therefore necessitating that the drone flies close to the structure for photography. To ensure flight safety and guarantee complete image coverage, precise flight path planning is essential.

The inspection module in AeroMapPro allows for precise flight path planning based on high-accuracy 3D models. It not only supports automatic route generation but also enables users to dynamically adjust various parameters during operation, significantly improving the efficiency of flight path planning.

STEP3: DATA ACQUISITION

The acquisition of inspection image data is carried out by a drone equipped with the professional inspection camera SF10. Field operations can be completed with just one person, one vehicle, and a single set of acquisition equipment.

The SF10 is a high-precision camera developed by Riebo based on the needs of the inspection industry. This camera utilizes a combination of a medium format image sensor (11276 x 9200 pixels) and a 120mm ultra-telephoto lens with a hundred-million-pixel resolution, enabling sub-millimeter level detection accuracy for 0.1mm cracks. It also integrates a high-precision three-axis gimbal (dynamic control accuracy ≤ 0.002°) to ensure exposure stability, providing clear and reliable defect detection data for bridges and other infrastructure.

inspection management platform

STEP4: DATA PROCESSING

Data processing is performed using the Skyscanner software that comes standard with Riebo cameras. It supports exporting inspection data by flight or in batches, enabling efficient management of large datasets. This software can embed geographic location information into the photos, achieving high-precision coordinate correction. Furthermore, it calculates the field of view of the images based on the drone and camera's attitude information, providing data support for the precise localization of subsequent defect points.

STEP5: AI-POWERED DEFECT IDENTIFICATION

Leveraging advanced Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) deep learning algorithms, high-resolution inspection imagery enables accurate and efficient AI-powered defect recognition. The specific process is divided into two main phases:

  • Model Training and Crack Identification: By annotating the collected image data and training the convolutional neural network model, the system is enabled to rapidly identify crack defects within the images. As the model undergoes continuous optimization and training data accumulates, the system's recognition accuracy will progressively improve.

  • Image Processing and Precise Measurement: For images where defects have been identified, the system will perform processing steps such as enhancement, noise reduction, image segmentation, and edge detection. This ultimately generates crack segmentation result maps and pixel-level measurement data. Employing a deep learning-based optimized segmentation algorithm ensures high-precision segmentation results and measurement accuracy, even in the presence of fine cracks, complex backgrounds, or artificial marking interference.

Furthermore, this system can also identify other common bridge defects, including weld cracks in steel structures, corrosion, loose bolts, and voids.

AI identify bridge cracks
inspection management platform

STEP6: INTELLIGENT INSPECTION MANAGEMENT

Addressing the challenges of traditional bridge inspections, such as non-intuitive result presentation, inefficient process management, and insufficient data utilization, Riebo Technology has innovatively developed the Tongtu Intelligent Inspection Management System. This system breaks through the limitations of traditional paper-based reports, achieving closed-loop digital management of the entire inspection process. Its main functions include:

  • End-to-End Integrated Management: Integrates core processes such as personnel scheduling, data acquisition, defect identification, and location analysis to build a standardized inspection workflow.

  • 3D Visualization Display: Intuitively presents the overall condition of the bridge and the spatial distribution of defects through the digital twin model.

  • Intelligent Data Analysis: Supports historical defect comparison, trend prediction, and multi-dimensional statistics to deeply mine data value.

  • Customized Report Output: Automatically generates inspection reports compliant with industry standards, significantly improving work efficiency.

This system effectively solves industry challenges such as data silos, supervision difficulties, and low reusability of results in traditional inspections, providing intelligent decision support for infrastructure management and maintenance.

TYPES OF BRIDGES WE INSPECT

"Our drone bridge inspection solutions are tailored to a wide range of bridge structures. We understand the unique challenges and requirements of each type."

FAQs About Bridge Inspection with Drones

  • Are drone inspections approved by authorities?
    Yes. In many regions, drone inspections are increasingly recognized and supported by transportation and infrastructure authorities as a supplementary or enhanced inspection method—especially for hard-to-reach areas. Compliance with local aviation and inspection regulations is essential, and RIEBO's solution is designed to be adaptable within regulated environments.
  • What is the resolution of your imaging?
    Our solution supports high-resolution imaging with professional-grade cameras, capable of capturing fine structural details. Defect measurement precision can reach sub-millimeter level, enabling accurate identification and analysis.
  • Is data secured and backed up?
    Yes. All inspection data collected through RIEBO’s system is securely stored and encrypted on the client’s local servers or designated infrastructure. Our digital twin and inspection management platform ensures data traceability, integrity, and supports client-managed backup strategies.

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