A research collaboration between Swinburn University of Technology (Australia) and Brimbank City Council is leveraging Allied Vision’s Nerian high-resolution 3D stereo vision system alongside GPS sensors in a groundbreaking 5G project. This innovative approach aims to equip local garbage trucks with advanced technology capable of identifying road and roadside equipment requiring maintenance quickly and efficiently.

The project, funded by the Australian Government at AU$1.18 million, seeks to demonstrate how 5G and IoT can drive smart city initiatives in Australia. By addressing critical infrastructure needs while optimizing costs, this collaboration underscores a commitment to improving urban environments for residents across the country.

Addressing Community Needs

A community survey revealed that enhancing the appearance of Brimbank’s roads, road signs, bus stop shelters, and roadside spaces is a top priority for local residents. With over 900 kilometers of roads requiring maintenance and an estimated $15 to $20 million annually spent on upkeep, Brimbank City Council seeks solutions that can benefit councils nationwide by saving millions in costs while improving safety and quality of life.

The challenge lies in the need for real-time data collection from garbage trucks traveling every street weekly. These vehicles must transmit information at varying speeds without compromising accuracy or efficiency.

Cutting-Edge Technology

The project utilizes Allied Vision’s high-resolution Nerian 3D system paired with GPS sensors on waste trucks. This setup captures extensive, networked data in real time and sends it to a cloud-based platform for easy mapping of assets needing maintenance—such as road signs, bus stops, or damaged roads.

The stereo vision depth cameras attached to the trucks collect 3D perception data at an impressive rate of 900 megabits per second. For context, average mobile download speeds in Australia during 2020 were around 43 megabits per second.

Maintenance teams can access real-time updates directly on their phones and upload proof of completed work instantly.

Time and Cost Efficiency

By equipping garbage trucks with Allied Vision’s Nerian 3D depth system, the project eliminates costly manual inspections and reports, reducing asset testing costs by up to 50 percent. This method streamlines problem identification, reporting, and repair—making maintenance faster and more cost-effective.

The initiative promises broader benefits beyond Brimbank, potentially setting a precedent for other councils adopting 5G-based solutions for road and roadside asset monitoring.

Technical Specifications

Nerian SceneScan Pro

  • Real-time computation of a 3D image using two cameras.
  • High processing speed via powerful FPGA technology to generate depth maps or point clouds at a rapid rate, ideal for demanding applications.

Alvium USB3 Cameras in IP67 Enclosure

  • Next-generation sensors deliver high-quality images and frame rates with an excellent price-performance ratio.
  • USB3 Vision compliant interface supports both PC-based and embedded systems.
  • Industrial-grade hardware features a reliable Micro-B USB 3.1 Gen 1 connector with screw locks.
  • Available in various enclosures, including IP67-rated options for harsh environments.

Key Features of the Solution

  • Real-time 3D data at resolutions up to 3 MP.
  • High-speed image acquisition (34 fps) and robust data throughput for moving trucks.
  • Reduced time-to-fix issues by eliminating manual inspections.
  • Significant savings on asset auditing costs through automation.

Last Updated: 2025-09-04 16:05:03