A groundbreaking innovation in road maintenance has emerged as scientists in the UK and Chile unveil self-healing asphalt made from biomass. By using AI-powered technology, this asphalt can "stitch" itself back together, offering a sustainable solution to the UK's billion-pound pothole crisis.
The Future of Road Repair: Self-Healing Asphalt
Potholes are a significant issue in the UK, with the repair bill for these crumbling roads estimated at a staggering £16 billion. Although the government has pledged £1.6 billion to address the problem this year, experts argue that this is still far from enough. Fortunately, a team of researchers from King's College London, Swansea University, and Chile have developed a revolutionary solution: self-healing asphalt. This innovative material, which can repair itself, could drastically reduce the long-term costs of road maintenance.
How It Works: AI and Biomass in Road Maintenance
This self-healing asphalt is made from sustainable, plant-derived materials known as spores. These microscopic, porous materials are incorporated into the asphalt mixture, which releases oil when cracks start to form. The oil triggers a natural healing process, similar to how biological organisms heal themselves after injury. This natural "stitching" process eliminates the need for costly human intervention, making road repairs more efficient and sustainable.
Google Cloud’s AI technology has played a critical role in this development. By using machine learning, scientists simulated the behavior of bitumen (a key component in asphalt) and studied its crack formation. This data-driven approach has accelerated the development of more durable and self-repairing road materials.
A More Durable Future for Roads
The potential benefits of self-healing asphalt are immense. Early lab tests have demonstrated that microcracks in the road surface can be fully healed within an hour, offering quicker, more effective repairs than current methods. This technology not only reduces maintenance costs but also increases the longevity of roads, leading to less frequent repairs and a more sustainable infrastructure.
Addressing the UK's Pothole Crisis
The UK's pothole crisis is a long-standing issue, with millions of pounds being spent annually to patch up damaged roads. While the government has made some progress with a £7 million AI initiative to detect and repair potholes faster, many motorists feel that more needs to be done. A recent Auto Express survey revealed that only 46% of drivers supported the use of AI for pothole detection, with some drivers insisting that the focus should be on repairing existing damage instead of predicting new problems.
However, the promise of self-healing asphalt may change these opinions. With its ability to automatically repair cracks before they become major issues, this AI-powered asphalt could reduce the need for frequent maintenance and alleviate some of the frustration of pothole-ridden roads.
The Road Ahead: A Sustainable Future
Incorporating AI and biomass materials into road infrastructure represents a significant step toward sustainability. According to Dr. Jose Norambuena-Contreras, a senior lecturer at Swansea University, the new self-healing asphalt “positions our research at the forefront of sustainable infrastructure innovation, contributing to the development of net-zero roads with enhanced durability.” This approach not only addresses the pothole problem but also reduces the UK’s dependence on traditional road repair methods, such as using petroleum-based materials.
This research shows great promise in paving the way for smarter, more sustainable infrastructure. While there are still challenges to overcome in scaling the technology, the team’s work provides hope that the UK could soon see roads that heal themselves—helping to solve the pothole crisis once and for all.
Conclusion: A Bright Future for British Roads
The introduction of self-healing asphalt could change the future of road repair in the UK, reducing the need for constant maintenance and making roads safer and more durable. By embracing this innovative solution, the UK could save billions in the long term and take a giant step toward more sustainable infrastructure. As technology continues to evolve, AI-powered self-healing asphalt may just be the key to a pothole-free future.
Oxford researchers unveil a scalable quantum supercomputer capable of quantum teleportation, paving the way for next-gen tech with enhanced security and computational power.
Researchers have uncovered over 1,300 archaeological sites in Azerbaijan, revealing the Caucasus as a historical hub of cultural exchange
In the serene landscapes of southwest China’s Sichuan Province, a groundbreaking project is redefining renewable energy.
NASA's Parker Solar Probe is making history again. On December 24, the spacecraft will plunge into the sun's outer atmosphere, known as the corona, pushing scientific boundaries further than ever before.
The Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology's goal is to help people with paraplegics walk and live their daily lives.
A research team in the Canary Islands documented an extraordinarily rare sighting of a black seadevil anglerfish, marking only the second time the species has been observed alive.
Disney is reshaping its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs, shifting focus toward business outcomes, according to an internal note obtained by Axios.
The U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation found thousands of new documents related to the assassination of former President John F. Kennedy after President Donald Trump called for the release of classified intelligence and law enforcement files about the 1963 shooting.
On January 20, President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev sat down for an exclusive interview with China’s CGTN (China Global Television Network) during the World Economic Forum in Davos.
Warner Bros and Jinjiang International plan to open a "Harry Potter Studio Tour" in Shanghai by 2027, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the films. The project, part of a theme park redevelopment, awaits regulatory approval.
The Sarandí stream in Buenos Aires, Argentina, turned bright red on Thursday for unknown reasons, raising concerns among authorities and residents. The waterway, which flows into the Río de la Plata, is under investigation to determine the cause.
Uzbekistan’s flag carrier has announced airline’s plan to purchase a dozen of aircrafts from Boeing and Airbus, marking a significant milestone in upgrading and expanding its fleet.
Azerbaijan has halted activities of “Russian House” in Baku according to local media reports on Thursday, following accusations of espionage. This is being described as an escalation of tensions between the two countries.
Elon Musk has called for the shutdown of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) and Voice of America (VOA), arguing that the U.S.-funded media outlets serve as government propaganda tools and waste taxpayer money.
Oxford researchers unveil a scalable quantum supercomputer capable of quantum teleportation, paving the way for next-gen tech with enhanced security and computational power.
Explore the stunning San'in Kaigan Geopark on Hokkaido Island, where dramatic frozen landscapes, rare wildlife, and unique geological features come together to create a winter wonderland. From ice-covered beaches to breathtaking wildlife sightings.
The African Development Bank Group has approved more than $31 million in funding through its African Climate Action Window (CAW) to enhance climate resilience in Sierra Leone, South Sudan, Djibouti, and Madagascar.
Many countries have missed a United Nations deadline to submit updated climate targets, as efforts to address global warming face challenges following the election of U.S. President Donald Trump.
Countries remain committed to clean energy and climate goals, despite U.S. President Donald Trump’s decision to withdraw from the Paris climate agreement, UN climate chief Simon Stiell said. Speaking in Brazil, he urged nations to strengthen their climate strategies ahead of COP30.
The Sarandí stream in Buenos Aires, Argentina, turned bright red on Thursday for unknown reasons, raising concerns among authorities and residents. The waterway, which flows into the Río de la Plata, is under investigation to determine the cause.
A research team in the Canary Islands documented an extraordinarily rare sighting of a black seadevil anglerfish, marking only the second time the species has been observed alive.
Disney is reshaping its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs, shifting focus toward business outcomes, according to an internal note obtained by Axios.
The U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation found thousands of new documents related to the assassination of former President John F. Kennedy after President Donald Trump called for the release of classified intelligence and law enforcement files about the 1963 shooting.
On January 20, President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev sat down for an exclusive interview with China’s CGTN (China Global Television Network) during the World Economic Forum in Davos.
Warner Bros and Jinjiang International plan to open a "Harry Potter Studio Tour" in Shanghai by 2027, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the films. The project, part of a theme park redevelopment, awaits regulatory approval.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment