March 6, 2024 – Visual Defence, an award-winning Ontario tech company, announced the successful delivery of the third generation of the CityROVER artificial intelligence (AI) system. Developed in collaboration with Durham Region and with the support of the Ontario Government through the Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network (OVIN), this latest generation of CityROVER is set to transform road maintenance operations through cutting-edge AI.
“In a competitive global marketplace, Ontario has proudly positioned itself as a tech titan, fostering an environment that supports innovations in ethical AI and the broader tech sector,” said Vic Fedeli, Ontario Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade. “Through the OVIN fund, our government is proud to support local companies like Visual Defence, whose made-in-Ontario CityROVER AI system is bridging cutting-edge technologies with day-to-day infrastructure and public works operations.”
Receiving nearly $1 million from the Ontario Government through the OVIN R&D Partnership Fund, which is matched by $2.2 million in partner contributions, for a total project value of nearly $3.2 million, this AI-powered smart camera system was developed with the goal of optimizing road infrastructure scanning and maintenance processes through task automation. The cameras are loaded with AI algorithms that enable them recognize elements of their environment, allowing them to detect and report infrastructure issues.
The collaborative project covered development of the technology, including expanding the types of incidents that can be detected by the camera, automatically collecting asset data, improving compliance with maintenance standards, seamless integration to work management and repair systems, and generation of maintenance reports and asset ratings, among other capabilities. The introduction of AI technology into public works operations has enabled municipal staff at Durham Region and other municipalities to optimize maintenance and asset management workflows, leading to improved levels of both public service and safety.
About Visual Defence
Visual Defence is a recognized industry leader in AI applications in public works. The company has established deployments of the AI technology coast to coast in Canada and the United States and works in partnership with municipalities to create new and innovative solutions for optimizing road infrastructure scanning and maintenance processes through task automation. The company has been growing in recent years to provide cutting-edge technology that helps municipalities proactively address deficiencies and promote safer roads while reducing repair and maintenance costs.
About the Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network (OVIN)
OVIN is an initiative of the Government of Ontario, led by the Ontario Centre of Innovation (OCI), designed to reinforce Ontario’s position as a North American leader in advanced automotive technology and smart mobility solutions such as connected vehicles, autonomous vehicles and electric and low-carbon vehicle technologies. Through resources such as research and development (R&D) support, talent and skills development, technology acceleration, business and technical supports, and demonstration grounds, OVIN provides a competitive advantage to Ontario-made automotive and mobility technology companies.
About The Regional Municipality of Durham
Durham Region is one of the first regional municipalities to implement CityROVER AI for pothole detection in Canada. This award-winning project is one of the many examples demonstrating how the Region is applying its Intelligent Communities Plan. In 2023, the project was recognized for excellence in the use of advanced technologies to address road, highway or urban transportation challenges with a Smart 50 Award for Mobility from Smart Cities Connect and a Technology Achievement Award from the Transportation Association of Canada. Earlier this year, the project was also named as a finalist for the International Data Corporation for the 2023 IDC Smart Cities North America Award in the Transportation Infrastructure category.