SKA Robotics Unveils AI-Based Rust Detector

PITTSBURGH, PA – SKA Robotics, a leader in applied robotics engineering, announced a major breakthrough in perception technology this month at the Pittsburgh Robotics Network Discovery Day, showcasing a new software platform designed to transform how industries monitor and maintain critical infrastructure.

The company’s latest innovation leverages AI-driven camera-based perception algorithms to identify surface-level and structural irregularities in real time. By analyzing images from drones, crawlers, or stationary cameras, the system detects and classifies rust, intuitively differentiating between aesthetic oxidation and potentially compromised materials — a capability that can dramatically reduce maintenance costs and safety risks.

During a live demonstration, CEO and Founder Spencer Krause captivated the audience by launching a drone from the roof of the David L. Lawrence Convention Center. The aircraft streamed real-time, high-definition aerial footage of Pittsburgh’s bridges along the Allegheny River, showcasing the software’s precision as it identified corrosion across multiple structural surfaces.

“Our goal is to give operators more freedom by  reducing manual, repetitive work in the field,” said Krause. “By combining robotics with advanced perception, we’re not just enhancing inspections — we’re redefining what’s possible for safety, efficiency, and infrastructure longevity.”

SKA Robotics envisions its perception platform as an adaptable solution across multiple industries — from energy to construction — enabling organizations to deploy smarter systems for predictive maintenance and inspection.

SKA Robotics is now offering consultations for integration of the perception suite into existing vehicles, drones, facilities, or anything with a camera.