How Artificial Intelligence Impacts Trenchless Technology

SewerAI is proud to be featured on the cover of the May 2022 issue of Trenchless Technology Magazine, one of the leading publications serving the underground infrastructure industry. The cover story, written by Sharon Bueno, spotlights how artificial intelligence is reshaping the way municipalities and contractors approach sewer condition assessment — and how SewerAI is at the forefront of that transformation.

A Conversation with SewerAI's Director of Business Development

For the feature, author Sharon Bueno sat down with Eric Sullivan, SewerAI's Director of Business Development, to explore the real-world impact that AI computer vision tools are having on the trenchless technology industry. Eric offered an in-depth look at how AI is not only accelerating workflows but also raising the bar for accuracy and consistency in sewer inspection deliverables.

Elevating NASSCO Standards with AI

A central theme of the article is how SewerAI's technology enhances the quality of deliverables produced under the NASSCO assessment certification programs. Eric discussed the specific ways AI is improving outcomes across three key programs:

• PACP® (Pipeline Assessment Certification Program) — AI-assisted defect detection in mainline sewer pipelines, ensuring consistent coding and reducing human error.
• LACP® (Lateral Assessment Certification Program) — Automated analysis of lateral sewer connections, helping crews identify defects that might otherwise be missed.
• MACP® (Manhole Assessment Certification Program) — Streamlined manhole condition assessments powered by computer vision, delivering faster and more reliable results.

By automating the detection and coding of defects, SewerAI helps inspection teams produce higher-quality, audit-ready reports while significantly reducing the time and cost associated with manual review.

AutoCode™: Automating Defect Detection in CCTV Footage

At the heart of SewerAI's platform is AutoCode™, a proprietary technology that automatically analyzes CCTV sewer inspection footage to identify and code defects in real time. Rather than relying solely on manual review by trained operators, AutoCode™ applies deep learning models trained on millions of inspection observations to flag conditions such as cracks, root intrusion, deposits, and structural failures — all aligned with NASSCO coding standards.

This automation dramatically reduces turnaround times for inspection reports, allowing utilities and contractors to make faster, data-driven decisions about maintenance and rehabilitation priorities.

Broader Implications for the Trenchless Technology Industry

Beyond the immediate operational benefits, Eric's conversation with Trenchless Technology Magazine touched on the wider implications of AI adoption across the industry. As infrastructure ages and inspection volumes grow, the demand for scalable, accurate assessment tools has never been greater. AI offers a path forward — one that empowers inspection crews, improves data quality, and ultimately helps communities better manage their underground assets.

Being featured on the cover of Trenchless Technology Magazine is a testament to the growing recognition of AI's role in modernizing sewer inspection — and to SewerAI's position as a leader in that movement.

Read the Full Article

The full cover story is available via DocSend. Click here to read the article and learn more about how SewerAI and artificial intelligence are shaping the future of trenchless technology.