New AI-Driven Training Platform Accelerates Bridge Inspection Solutions

• Proeksa Meas
• 18 July 2026
• Construction Focus
• 705 Views

A collaborative breakthrough between Collins Engineers and Bentley Systems is addressing America’s critical bridge infrastructure crisis by drastically shortening the time required to train the next generation of inspectors.

During a recent three-day hackathon, developers utilized Bentley’s iTwin platform and AI-assisted coding to create a virtual training application, a process that previously took six months. This new tool allows inspectors globally to navigate photorealistic 3D digital twins of bridges to identify structural defects like cracks and spalls, bridging the gap left by a shrinking engineering workforce.

The technology leverages Bentley’s iTwin Capture and iTwin Experience software, which transform drone-captured imagery into interactive 3D digital models. When integrated with AI, these models automatically detect and quantify surface damage, allowing engineers to pinpoint issues before arriving on-site.

The efficacy of this workflow was proven during the rehabilitation of the Robert Street Bridge in Minnesota, where the software reduced on-site inspection time by 20 percent, saved $90,000 in labor costs, and paved the way for potential millions in construction savings.

By enabling inspectors to sharpen their skills through virtual environments—including VR headsets—this platform offers a scalable, customizable solution that can be adapted to meet diverse infrastructure challenges worldwide.

• Bentley
• iTwin
• Bentley Systems
• iTwin Capture
• iTwin Experience