Bridge inspection is a critical activity in maintaining structural integrity, safety, and serviceability of transportation infrastructure. Traditional manual inspection methods are time-consuming, labor-intensive, and often expose inspectors to hazardous conditions, especially in confined bearing enclosures and high-elevation girders. This research proposes the implementation of robotic systems for inspection of bridge bearings and girders to enhance safety, efficiency, and accuracy. The study focuses on integrating robotic platforms equipped with high-resolution cameras, ultrasonic pulse velocity sensors, and Robot Operating System (ROS) communication frameworks to perform automated data collection. The robotic system enables detailed crack detection, corrosion assessment, deformation monitoring, and structural health analysis without requiring scaffolding or traffic disruption. The proposed approach demonstrates improved repeatability, reduced human risk, and cost- effectiveness, making robotic inspection a viable solution for modern bridge maintenance practices.
Pawar et al. (2026) studied this question.