University of Cincinnati
02/26/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 02/27/2026 02:19
AI technology could change how potholes are repaired in Ohio
AI technology could change how potholes are repaired in Ohio
WLWT highlights UC research project with Honda, ODOT
2 minute read February 26, 2026 Share on facebook Share on Twitter Share on LinkedIn Share on Reddit Print StoryLike
WLWT-5 highlighted a research partnership between the University of Cincinnati, Honda Motor Co. and the Ohio Department of Transportation that could revolutionize the way potholes and other road problems are fixed.
UC College of Engineering and Applied Science Professor Munir Nazzal led a pilot project that demonstrated how vehicles can use dashboard cameras and sensors to track and report issues like damaged guardrails, potholes, faded or missing lane markings and other deficiencies.
Honda recently shared the results of its pilot project showing how the company's Proactive Roadway Maintenance System works in real-world conditions in Ohio.
Working with Parsons Corp. and i-Probe Inc., the research team tested more than 3,000 miles of Ohio roads, providing valuable sensor data about road roughness and maintenance needs. Honda said the system demonstrated 99% accuracy for detecting damaged or obstructed signs; 93% accuracy in detecting damaged guardrails and 89% accurate in identifying potholes, including their severity and location.
"The vehicle will be the way that you can monitor and assess the infrastructure, basically to make the roads safer," Nazzal told WLWT-5.
Sue Bai, chief engineer at American Honda Motor Co., told WLWT-5 the project could help ODOT redirect its priorities.
"ODOT can now focus on fixing the problem instead of detecting the problem because, in the future, the driver will be part of the detection process," Bai said.
Featured image at top: WLWT-5 reporter Thomas Aaron talks to UC Professor Munir Nazzal about a test vehicle used in a pilot program that could revolutionize the way roadways are monitored for potholes and other deficiencies. Photo/Michael Miller
UC Professor Munir Nazzal is working with Honda and the Ohio Department of Transportation on an innovative new monitoring system for road repairs in Ohio. Photo/Connor Boyle/UC Marketing + Brand
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University of Cincinnati published this content on February 26, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on February 27, 2026 at 08:19 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]