IKAROS: a UAV-based integrated system for monitoring road defects and managing vehicle traffic and emergencies on road transport networks

In recent years, there has been a notable rise in the adoption of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) for infrastructure inspection. This study focuses on presenting IKAROS, an integrated system that harnesses the combined capabilities of multiple UAVs and deep learning (DL) tools to improve the efficiency of road transport network inspections, facilitate the detection of road defects, and manage traffic emergencies. Specifically, we introduce the IKAROS system, outlining its key components and functionalities, with a particular emphasis on the applied technologies and the interconnections of its various systems. In addition, we provide an overview of the pilot site and address the challenges associated with real-world implementation.