The technology firm Intel partnered with transportation officials to inspect two bridges using drones . By capturing high resolution images of the structures , and then stitching them together to create a virtual map , the teams were able to carry out drone - based inspections of both Minneapolis ' Peace Arch Bridge and Daniel Carter Beard Bridge on the Ohio - Kentucky border without shutting down traffic . It’s a task that might be better suited for drones. With 54,000 US bridges under inspection , using the drone ##s is both quicker and safer , as there is no need for people to rappel off the bridge , while the digital maps can also be shared and updated more easily .
The technology firm Intel partnered with transportation officials to inspect two bridges using drones . By capturing high resolution images of the structures , and then stitching them together to create a virtual map , the teams were able to carry out drone - based inspections of both Minneapolis ' Peace Arch Bridge and Daniel Carter Beard Bridge on the Ohio - Kentucky border without shutting down traffic . With 54,000 US bridges under inspection , using the drone ##s is both quicker and safer , as there is no need for people to rappel off the bridge , while the digital maps can also be shared and updated more easily .