Elevating road operations and infrastructure maintenance with drone technology

Abertis has launched Drone Challenge, an innovation challenge to find innovative and effective solutions based on the use of drones.

Background

Abertis is one of the world's leading high-capacity, high-quality motorway operators, with some 8,000 kilometres in 15 countries across Europe, America and Asia. Committed to research and innovation, Abertis is a pioneer in applying new technologies to high-capacity infrastructures. Being a promoter of innovative solutions enables us to meet the challenges of the constantly evolving mobility of the future.

In this vein, Abertis has identified drone technology as a solution capable of enhancing its ability to manage mobility infrastructures. However, despite its more than 60 years of commitment and experience, the company faces significant limitations and challenges:

• There is mounting pressure to make infrastructure inspection activities more efficient and improve the quality and quantity of data obtained.
• The industry is evolving, with companies actively integrating drones into their operations. As a sector leader, Abertis must stay at the forefront of road operation management and maintenance of road infrastructures.
• Decreasing concession business margins and the potential for stricter regulations concerning infrastructure conditions motivate Abertis to seek more efficient ways of managing and maintaining its assets.

The Challenge

The Drone Challenge aims to find innovative solutions that leverage drone technology to enhance high-capacity road operations and infrastructure management, with a central emphasis on increasing road user safety and optimising infrastructure maintenance. This challenge is driven by several key objectives, including improving operational efficiency, raising road safety standards, extending the lifespan of our infrastructure, promoting innovation, exploring avenues for business growth, and actively collaborating with startups and SMEs.

Who can apply?

Startups and SMEs from all over the world interested in joining synergies with Abertis and contributing their innovative and effective drone-based solutions can submit their applications through https://beyondroads.abertis.com/. All applications will be examined by a committee of experts made up of members from the different countries in which the group operates. The winning entry, which will be announced in April 2024, will be awarded a prize of worth approximately €40,000 to carry out a pilot in one of the countries where Abertis operates, while the six finalist solutions will receive a financial prize of €4,000.

For more detailed call criteria, please visit the official website: https://beyondroads.abertis.com/home/ 

Published on 4 December 2023.