“One of the models developed achieved an accuracy of over 95% during validation and reached 100% accuracy”
TECNALIA develops new AI-based solutions, digital twins and advanced monitoring to transform the way critical infrastructure is managed
TECNALIA is taking part in the European ReCharged initiative to improve the accuracy of early detection of damage to and resilience of critical transport and energy assets.
Automating inspection
ReCharged’s most notable achievements include the development of AI models capable of automating the inspection of infrastructure with high levels of reliability.
- One of the models developed, based on ResNet-18 architecture, achieved an accuracy of over 95% during validation and reached 100% accuracy in the tests carried out to identify damage.
The technologies evaluated also demonstrated a high capacity for automating complex inspection processes.
- In the case of tunnels, the systems developed have made it possible to detect cracks, loose material and water seepage with a high degree of accuracy. They have also made it possible to inspect more than 17 kilometres in just over half an hour, significantly reducing the time needed to assess the condition of this infrastructure.
In the energy sector, machine vision tools and artificial intelligence have managed to identify faults in power lines with an accuracy of over 96%, while also facilitating the processing of information in real time.
Digital twins to improve resilience
In addition to detecting damage, we have promoted the use of digital twins to help plan the maintenance and refurbishment of infrastructure.
One of the most noteworthy cases was the analysis of the Polyfytos Bridge (Greece), where various intervention strategies were assessed using advanced modelling, monitoring and life-cycle analysis. The results made it possible to identify the most resilient and efficient solutions for managing the asset.
The solution were validated in case studies in Portugal, Switzerland and Greece, providing a comprehensive overview of the risks, damage and recovery processes relating to transport and energy infrastructure.
One of the key partners in the project is ETH Zürich, which is one of the world’s leading universities in civil engineering, infrastructure management and the digitalisation of the built environment, and a long-standing partner of TECNALIA.
TECNALIA and ETH Zurich: a strategic partnership for innovation in construction
The collaboration between TECNALIA and ETH Zurich has been strengthened in recent years through research and innovation projects in areas such as infrastructure resilience, digital twins, structural monitoring, smart maintenance and advanced asset management.
In 2025, this relationship was strengthened by the signing of a strategic agreement setting out a framework for long-term cooperation. This agreement has allowed both entities to promote joint R&D projects, exchange research staff and launch new technology transfer initiatives.
- The agreement focuses specifically on developing secure, resilient digital buildings and infrastructure, combining ETH Zurich’s scientific excellence with TECNALIA’s ability to bring innovation to the market and to industrial sectors.
- The areas of cooperation cover key fields for transforming the construction and infrastructure sector, such as asset management, assessing resilience, adapting to climate change, optimising data-driven decision-making, digital twins, structural assessment, structural health monitoring, smart maintenance, the automation of inspection processes, and new digital solutions for restoring and strengthening infrastructure.
In this context, ReCharged is an example of the value of collaboration in developing advanced monitoring, artificial intelligence and digital twin solutions to improve the resilience and sustainability of critical infrastructure.