Fillix

What it does

Fillix is an autonomous robot that detects and repairs potholes in real time. Using AI, sensors, and a precision patching system, it navigates damaged roads, restores safety, and supports smarter, faster, and more efficient infrastructure repair.

Your inspiration

My hometown in India experiences numerous accidents and fatalities each year due to potholes, particularly during the monsoon season. One incident that deeply affected me was the death of a young man whose two-wheeler fell into a pothole. His grieving father began manually filling potholes to prevent others from suffering the same fate. That story stayed with me. It inspired me to explore how technology could automate and scale this life-saving act, transforming a personal tragedy into a powerful, city-wide solution for road safety. I wanted to build something that could act faster, smarter, and ultimately save more lives.

How it works

Fillix is an autonomous robot designed to detect and repair potholes with minimal human input. It uses a front-facing camera and computer vision algorithms to scan the road surface in real time. The captured images are processed using AI to detect potholes based on their shape, texture, and size. Once a pothole is identified, Fillix stops, classifies the damage, and uses a robotic arm to dispense a cold-mix asphalt or filler material. A levelling tool then smooths the patch for a safe, drivable surface. Fillix navigates roads using GPS for route planning and ultrasonic sensors to detect and avoid obstacles. All components are controlled by a microcontroller that processes sensor input and manages motor functions. Powered by a rechargeable battery, the robot is designed to operate on small-scale roads and can be scaled up for larger deployments.

Design process

The idea for Fillix came after I explored several real-world problems including health wearables and water harvesting, but the issue of potholes felt more personal and pressing. In my hometown in India, a young man lost his life after his bike hit a pothole. His grieving father began manually filling potholes across Mumbai to prevent further tragedies. That story deeply moved me and inspired the idea of designing a scalable, technology-driven solution to a recurring and life-threatening problem. I began by researching how potholes form, how they are typically repaired, and the operational challenges faced by municipal road workers. I then conceptualized Fillix, an autonomous robot that detects and repairs potholes without needing human involvement. I divided the system into three modules: computer vision for pothole detection, GPS and ultrasonic sensors for navigation, and a controlled dispensing system for filling material. I developed detailed design sketches, studied component feasibility, outlined the hardware setup, and mapped the control logic. While I have not built a physical prototype yet, I plan to use design simulations, CAD mockups, and visual demonstrations to develop the concept further and test its functionality.

How it is different

Unlike existing pothole detection systems that rely on manual repairs or expensive vehicle-mounted equipment, Fillix combines AI detection and autonomous patching in one compact, low-cost robot. It is designed for small-scale deployment on local roads, campuses, and service lanes, where larger municipal solutions are inefficient or unavailable. Its modular design allows easy maintenance and scaling. While most solutions stop at detection or reporting, Fillix closes the loop by identifying the problem and taking immediate action to repair it without human input. It focuses on real-time response, reducing accident risk and minimizing the delay between pothole formation and repair. The concept is also designed to be locally manufacturable and adaptable for different climates and road surfaces. With proper support, Fillix could evolve into a network of coordinated repair units for smart cities worldwide.

Future plans

The next step is to create a detailed simulation and CAD model to validate Fillix's hardware and motion system. I plan to build a working prototype focused on detection and patching in controlled environments. Long term, I aim to collaborate with engineering mentors, city officials, and local manufacturers to refine and scale the design. My goal is to develop a fleet of affordable repair robots that cities can deploy autonomously to reduce road hazards, cut maintenance costs, and improve infrastructure safety, especially in areas where potholes are frequent and deadly.

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