Will AI replace underground utility locators?

Why AI struggles to replace this job

• Subsurface conditions are unpredictable and vary wildly based on soil moisture, density, and mineral content.
• Locators must navigate rugged terrain, construction debris, and private property obstacles that hinder robots.
• Deciphering conflicting signals from overlapping pipes and cables requires human judgment and historical context.
• The legal liability of marking a gas or power line requires a level of accountability that AI systems currently cannot assume.

Tasks AI could automate

• Overlaying historical utility maps onto live camera feeds using augmented reality.
• Digitizing hand-drawn markings into Geographic Information Systems (GIS) automatically.
• Filtering out signal noise from electronic locating equipment using machine learning.
• Optimizing daily route planning to reduce travel time between ticket locations.

The 10-year outlook

Employment will grow alongside increased infrastructure spending and the expansion of fiber optic networks. The role will become more tech-integrated, requiring locators to be proficient with advanced GIS software and ground-penetrating radar.

Common questions