St. Joseph County Commissioners are considering a proposal to use artificial intelligence to keep county roads in better shape.
Many people fear a fast-approaching future where artificial intelligence displaces workers. But what if it also leads to fewer workers that are paid with tax dollars? Or it helps the same number of workers do more for the public?
County commissioners Tuesday will consider a proposal from a Boston-based company that makes such promises.
County Engineer Sky Medors is asking commissioners to approve contracting with Cyvl. The company says it already has over 100 active clients since launching in 2022.
For about $87,000, the county would get a sensor that mounts on top of highway department vehicles. The sensor automatically digitizes and assesses infrastructure, everything from pavement and sidewalk conditions to road signs.
To prioritize how to use road funding, county highway department workers now rate road conditions by assigning a so-called PASER score. In a memo to commissioners, Medors says, “By employing AI-based analysis, the County will achieve greater consistency and eliminate the subjectivity often associated with manually assigned PASER scores.”
