AI is turning connected cars into pothole-finding machines
techcrunch.com May 12, 2026

AI is turning connected cars into pothole-finding machines

AI-summarised brief · reviewed before publication

Potholes continue to plague cities despite claims of technological solutions. However, connected cars equipped with advanced sensors are now being used to quickly alert cities to potholes and other municipal problems. Fleet management company Samsara has developed an AI-powered offering called "Ground Intelligence" that can detect multiple types of potholes and track their deterioration. The company has partnered with multiple cities, including Chicago, to provide this data, which can help cities prioritize repairs and reduce maintenance costs.

💡 Why It Matters

  • · Cities can now leverage the data from connected cars to proactively identify and repair potholes, reducing the need for reactive maintenance and saving resources.
  • · By utilizing this data, cities can also optimize their maintenance schedules and allocate resources more efficiently, ultimately improving the quality of life for residents.