Pilot program uses LiDAR car to detect and report potholes to ODOT

Honda has recently completed a pilot program using a car equipped with LiDAR to report potholes and other road maintenance issues to the Ohio Department of Transportation. 

The pilot program tested vehicles equipped with LiDAR and driven by ODOT employees across more than 3,000 miles of Ohio roads, collecting sensor data about road roughness and maintenance needs. The sensor system reportedly showed 99% accuracy for detecting damaged or obstructed signs, and 93% accuracy in detecting damaged guardrails. The sensors were also able to report potholes with 89% accuracy, reported the University of Cincinnati.

“This pilot of the Honda Proactive Roadway Maintenance System empowers drivers to play an active role in creating safer roadways and communities while helping agencies like ODOT improve maintenance operations,” said Sue Bai, chief engineer, Sustainability and Business Development at American Honda Motor Co., Inc.

“By using real-time vehicle data to detect road hazards and infrastructure issues, Honda, ODOT and our project partners are demonstrating how smarter, adaptive solutions can enhance safety, reduce costs and enhance safety for everyone sharing the road.”

The LiDAR cars would reduce the need for manual inspections by workers, creating less exposure to traffic hazards for maintenance crews. If implemented, the project team estimates that the automated detection could save 4.5 million in tax dollars each year. 

“At the heart of this technology is our shared goal to keep our roadways safe for all users,” ODOT Director Pam Boratyn said. “This Proactive Roadway Maintenance System also creates a safer environment for our workers while they gather the critical information and data needed to ensure Ohio’s highways are maintained.”