A University of West London (UWL) academic at the Ras Al Khaimah Campus has been granted a patent for an innovative artificial intelligence (AI) system designed to support safer and more efficient sewage monitoring and cleaning.
Dr H. Shaheen has been granted the patent for the invention, Intelligent Agent for Sewage Cleaning and Monitoring Using Deep Convolutional Network. The technology combines AI and deep learning to support the automated monitoring and cleaning of sewage environments. By intelligently analysing conditions within sewage systems, it is designed to help identify potential issues and support appropriate cleaning and maintenance.
Conventional sewage inspection and cleaning can require people to work in hazardous environments and can make continuous monitoring difficult. This AI-enabled approach aims to reduce the need for direct human intervention while improving safety, operational efficiency and environmental management. The innovation applies Deep Convolutional Neural Networks (DCNNs) and intelligent-agent technology to a real-world infrastructure challenge, demonstrating the potential for AI to support the development of safer and smarter infrastructure systems.
Dr Shaheen said:
“This patent represents an important step in translating AI research into a practical solution for a real-world infrastructure challenge. By combining deep learning with intelligent-agent technology, the work explores how AI can reduce human exposure to hazardous sewage environments while supporting more efficient monitoring and maintenance. I hope the innovation will encourage further research and collaboration between academia and industry in the area of AI-enabled smart infrastructure.”
The patent creates opportunities for further research and potential collaboration with industry and other academic institutions in AI-enabled infrastructure monitoring and environmental management.
