Hotfix Potifx
Revolutionizing Road Damage Repair through IoT Innovation
Hotfix Potfix emerged as a remarkable startup after winning Europe’s largest IoT hackathon in Berlin, the Bosh Connect. Our mission was to address the pressing issue of accelerating the road damage repair process, and we developed an ingenious solution that garnered attention and recognition.
The Breakthrough Idea: Harnessing Garbage Trucks for Road Scanning
Inspired by out-of-the-box thinking, we conceived the idea of utilizing garbage trucks for road scanning. Recognizing that these vehicles cover a significant portion of our road networks, we saw an opportunity to attach scanners to them. This approach allowed us to simultaneously collect data on road damages while the trucks carried out their routine operations. By uploading this valuable information to the cloud and visualizing it, we aimed to transform the way road maintenance is approached.
My Role: Building the Web Application Ecosystem
Within this ambitious project, my focus centered on developing the comprehensive web application ecosystem. Taking charge of both frontend and backend development, I played a pivotal role in bringing our vision to life. Our web application featured a dynamic interface that showcased the collected data on a map, utilizing heatmaps and markers to highlight areas of concern. Additionally, we integrated cutting-edge features, such as calculating optimal repair routes and determining the required materials for fixing the identified damages.
Frontend and Backend Excellence: Nuxt, Vuetify, and Firebase
To ensure a seamless and visually captivating user experience, I leveraged my favorite tech stack – Nuxt and Vuetify – for the frontend development. This powerful combination allowed us to create an intuitive and aesthetically pleasing interface that showcased the collected data effectively.
In terms of backend infrastructure, we opted for Firebase, a versatile and scalable platform. By utilizing Firebase, we were able to efficiently handle data storage and synchronization, laying a solid foundation for our cloud-based solution.
Overcoming the Data Storage Challenge: Looking Towards the Future
While our road scanning innovation was promising, the hurdle of storing the vast amount of data we generated presented a significant challenge. Our 3D models of potholes demanded an immense storage capacity that exceeded the capabilities of existing solutions, including those offered by giants like Google and Amazon. As a small startup, we faced financial constraints that prevented us from investing in cloud-based storage, such as Firebase. The sheer cost of storing the data became insurmountable, with just a 10-minute scan potentially amounting to over $20,000.
Acknowledging these limitations, we made the difficult decision to put the project on hold while we further developed our skills and knowledge. Despite the obstacles, we remain optimistic that, in the future, advancements in technology and cloud infrastructure will enable us to revisit this venture and find a viable solution.
It is worth noting that our pursuit of solving this problem is not solitary. There are numerous dedicated individuals and organizations tirelessly working on innovative approaches to address road damage repair. By collectively pooling our expertise and resources, we can pave the way for a more efficient and sustainable future.