Allison interviews Jean-David Bigoni, COO of MIMO Detect, about their ground-penetrating radar (GPR) system designed to make underground utility detection much simpler and more accessible. The company has adapted traditional GPR technology to provide real-time visualization of buried infrastructure without requiring specialized analysis after a scan.<\/p>\n
The device resembles a large push mower and is wheeled across the ground. As it moves, it automatically identifies underground pipes and cables, displaying their locations both through indicator lights and on an onboard screen. The system draws the detected utility lines in real time, eliminating the need for post-processing or expert interpretation.<\/p>\n
Bigoni explains that the technology can detect a wide range of underground infrastructure, including water pipes, gas lines, power cables, oil transport pipes, sprinkler systems, and some fiber-optic installations. The primary application is for construction crews that need to identify buried utilities before excavation to avoid damaging critical infrastructure.<\/p>\n
A key innovation is the software\u2019s ability to automatically recognize linear features that correspond to pipes while filtering out false positives. The detection algorithms track consistent shapes and paths underground, helping distinguish actual utilities from objects such as tree roots or other subsurface anomalies.<\/p>\n
Beyond construction safety, Bigoni noted that the system can also be used to collect data for creating digital maps and digital twins of underground infrastructure.<\/p>\n
Learn more at https:\/\/www.mimodetect.com\/<\/a><\/p>\n