Arcadis, a Netherlands-based design and consultancy company for natural and built assets, has announced a collaboration with technology start-up Niricson to scale digital asset management technologies globally.
Based in Canada, Niricson offers predictive asset management and condition assessments for bridges and other concrete infrastructure by integrating robotics, computer vision, and acoustic technology with artificial intelligence (AI).
The technology provider was established in 2020 as part of the Arcadis City of 2030 Accelerator, Powered by Techstars programme. The Arcadis accelerator programme identifies and develops start-ups focused on improving the natural and built environments via innovations in urban planning, resiliency, and sustainability.
Niricson CEO Harsh Rathod said: “With the ever-increasing pace of technological change and huge variety of social and environmental challenges facing us today, creative approaches to problem solving and co-creation between start-ups and large corporations is essential.
“Our collaboration with Arcadis means we can scale our digital solutions across multiple markets, revolutionising how the industry approaches infrastructure condition assessment and risk management practices.
“By maximising the potential of robotics, computer vision, and acoustic technology combined with machine learning, we have created a solution with a myriad of applications across an array of industries.”
According to Arcadis, Niricson’s core technology and products directly complement the company’s current business and strategic goals.
Arcadis said that structures are expected to be assessed faster, cost-effectively, and accurately through the combination of AI technology and automation which is augmented by the company’s asset knowledge and expertise.
Niricson assists infrastructure owners in monitoring and predicting the maintenance needs of their assets over time by combining drones and software solutions.
Arcadis mobility global president Greg Steele said: “The use of digital tools and technology forms a core part of our approach at Arcadis, and by working with Niricson we can bring forward an innovative and scalable solution to many asset management challenges worldwide.
“By combining our expertise with Niricson’s predictive analytics platform, we have a non-invasive way to safely inspect and monitor concrete bridge structures and improve performance through targeted maintenance programs.
“Ultimately, automating inspections will make the maintenance process more efficient, reduce the potential for injury, and result in less disruption to the transport network.”
The partnership is expected to enable Arcadis to employ the technology for bridge inspections in several key markets, including the US, Canada, the UK, and Australia, with pilot projects already being completed in US and Australia.