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Innovative bridge in Bautzen: real-time monitoring for the future!
On March 19, 2025, an innovative research bridge was opened by TUD in Bautzen to monitor structural integrity with AI.
Innovative bridge in Bautzen: real-time monitoring for the future!
On March 19, 2025, a groundbreaking research bridge was opened in Bautzen that illustrates the potential of modern technologies in transport infrastructure. The opening took place in the presence of Dr. Volker Wissing, the Federal Minister for Digital Affairs and Transport, as well as other important representatives, including Regina Kraushaar, Udo Witschas, Ursula Staudinger, Steffen Marx and Jörg Drews. This event marked a significant step in the research project “Automated assessment of monitoring data from infrastructure structures (IDA-KI)”, which is coordinated by the Technical University of Dresden (TUD).
The new bridge, which is 45 meters long and 4.5 meters wide, is equipped with over 200 sensors. These sensors enable monitoring of temperature, tilt and movement. The aim of this technology is real-time monitoring of structural integrity and early identification of damage using artificial intelligence. The live demonstration at the opening included a multi-ton rail car that simulated various loading scenarios to show the sensor technology in action.
IDA-KI research project
The IDA-KI research project, which was started on January 1, 2022, has a total volume of around 3.8 million euros. The consortium consists of the Technical University of Dresden, the Technical University of Hamburg, MKP GmbH and Hentschke Bau GmbH. Associated partners such as the Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing and the Federal Highway Research Institute are also involved. This comprehensive network aims to provide reliable, near real-time bridge condition assessment.
The innovation initiative “mFUND”, which has been promoting digital, data-based applications for the mobility of the future since 2016, plays a central role in financing the project. An accompanying podcast episode in the “mCAST” format will also be published on March 19, 2025 and focuses on predictive maintenance and the “openLAB” research bridge.
Optimize traffic flows
Another important project, known as KISA, is concerned with simulating traffic flows on highways. The potential of modern control algorithms is examined in order to optimize traffic control. This goal is pursued by reconstructing control algorithms using machine learning from existing traffic and switching data.
KISA addresses the problem of outdated or incomplete documentation, which makes it difficult to replicate complex control algorithms. By using digital twins of real route control systems, the project pursues realistic traffic flow simulations. The AI models are developed by training neural networks with data from traffic flow simulations. This project has a volume of 128,927.91 euros and is 100% funded by the BMDV.
The IDA-KI and KISA projects impressively show how data and modern technologies can be used in the transport infrastructure to improve both safety and efficiency. While IDA-KI focuses on assessing the condition of bridges, KISA focuses on optimizing traffic control.