Safe Dig AI

Morrison Water Services, a part of M Group Services’ Water Division, is rolling out an innovative new piece of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology which improves efficiency and safety on site.

Safe Dig AI uses Robotic Process Automation (RPA) and AI to compile packs of utility plans quickly and accurately (in as little as 30 minutes). The solution then provides planners and field teams with the necessary packs via a user-friendly, intuitive, and feature-rich app.

Andy Carter, Business Services Director for M Group Services’ Water Division, said:

“Safe Dig AI ensures our people are well informed about the environment they are working in. It helps operatives carry out their work safely and reduces the risk of hitting cables and other assets hidden below ground. A strike can cause significant disruption to local communities, delay work on site and increase the chances of personal injury and Safe Dig AI is here to prevent these incidents.”

The software utilises the latest RPA automation techniques to create safe dig packs showing underlying assets present at a specific location so our teams can view maps, covering gas and water pipes, electric and telecom cabling, and any other utilities - all in one place.

This AI then reads the maps to offer insight and highlights potential high-risk assets in the vicinity of the proposed works. Over time, the AI software learns to provide even greater insight and therefore improves safety even further. On site, we always carry out Cat and Genny scans to validate the exact location of any underground assets.

Developed with long-term technology partner, Zensar, Safe Dig AI creates safe dig packs more quickly and efficiently. It also eliminates the need for paper copies of maps and information, helping to reduce our carbon footprint.

The Safe Dig AI app features include:

• high quality, full-colour maps
• the ability to zoom in and out to check details
• side-by-side parallel view options to compare asset locations
• auto-pop up warning alerts on screen
• a read-receipt feature showing when information was first accessed and the duration of viewing
• easily downloadable onto Apple and Android tablets

Morrison Water Services first trialled the Safe Dig AI solution in Wales on its Dwr Cymru Welsh Water (DCWW) contract. The feedback from the field team was very positive. The immediate access to information and the improved visibility resulted in less downtime on site.

We are now rolling out Safe Dig AI to teams providing services to Thames Water. We will then be distributing this highly scalable and low-cost innovation to other contracts carrying out street works across the UK.

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