Roads Getting a High-Tech Makeover

In the heart of Somerville, a young company named Cyvl is transforming how cities manage road maintenance. Instead of relying on outdated methods, they're leveraging lasers and AI to detect and fix road issues before they escalate.

The Tech Behind the Innovation

Cyvl's team has engineered a smart sensor that can be attached to any vehicle. As the car drives, the sensor uses lidar technology to scan roads for problems like cracks and potholes—essentially giving roads a high-tech health check.

• Detects 19 types of cracks (e.g., longitudinal, transfer).
• Operates at high speeds (up to 55 mph).
• Assigns condition scores to prioritize repairs.

Why It Matters

This technology is a game-changer for cities:

• Saves time and money—scans 100 miles of road in under a week (vs. 3-4 weeks manually).
• Proactive maintenance—prevents accidents and vehicle damage by fixing issues early.

The Founders' Vision

Co-founders Daniel Pelaez and Noah Budris, both 27, launched Cyvl after recognizing the inefficiencies in traditional road maintenance. Their mission? Make road inspections smarter and more efficient.

Impact & Future Plans

• Already used in 400+ cities and towns nationwide.
• Expanding to inspect bike lanes and sidewalks.
• Dreaming big—road inspections on the moon? For now, they're focused on Earth.