Artificial intelligence could soon help users of the world’s first national roading insights software tool make better data-driven decisions as a result of a new partnership between the University of Waikato and software specialist Company-X.
Company-X, based in Union Square, built Transport Insights for the Road Efficiency Group, also known as Te Ringa Maimoa, for the use of every road controlling authority in the country. The tool is used to make evidence-based decisions on New Zealand’s national roading network.
University of Waikato Deputy Vice-Chancellor Professor Alister Jones
The partnership’s first project will focus on transport and infrastructure by leveraging data to enhance the speed and effectiveness of decision-making for asset managers responsible for maintaining infrastructure such as roading, water and energy.
It will combine research and expertise from the University’s School of Computing and Mathematical Sciences, School of Engineering, Artificial Intelligence Institute, and Waikato Management School.
Company-X chief executive and university alumnus Jeremy Hughes said the management of physical infrastructure assets was a global challenge. Countries spent between 0.2 per cent and 4.8 per cent of gross domestic product on inland transport infrastructure
“The ability to make evidence-based decisions can become complicated if the data is disconnected, inefficient, or insufficient,” Hughes said.
He envisioned the partnership developing a system that integrated advanced asset management data visualisations with artificial intelligence (AI), enabling asset managers to make more efficient and effective decisions on road maintenance and renewal.
“There is huge opportunity, given the wealth of high-quality data in the transport domain, for training AI models to surface insights needed to make informed and efficient investment decisions.”
Company-X Co-Founders David Hallett, left, and Jeremy Hughes
Hughes hoped enhancing the decision-making process would improve asset managers’ ability to invest the right amount of money and time into the right asset to gain maximum efficiency.
Company-X co-founder and university alumnus David Hallett said the partnership would contribute to Hamilton’s ‘Tech in the Tron’ reputation and attract skilled professionals.
“Hamilton is primed to advance its global impact. The talent and potential is diverse, connected, collaborative and boundless, and we are excited to continue to mark our spot on a critical global sector.”
Both organisations are also hoping the partnership will also impact in the fields of primary industries, smart manufacturing and management.
University deputy vice-chancellor Professor Alister Jones said the partnership was an excellent example of the strategic vision to work with private companies for the benefit of the community and country.
