The Future of Remote Infrastructure Monitoring

The infrastructure beneath our cities operates largely unseen, yet failures can cause environmental disasters, public health risks, and costly emergency repairs. Remote infrastructure monitoring has emerged as a critical solution, allowing utilities to detect problems before they escalate. At TREKK, two innovative products are reshaping how organizations approach this challenge: TREKK360 and PreView.

AI-Powered Real-Time Detection

The PreView camera represents a significant leap forward in AI-enabled monitoring. The system’s machine learning models analyze both qualitative visual data and quantitative sensor information to detect anomalies in real time. These trained algorithms can identify issues like debris accumulation, illegal dumping, and infrastructure changes that would otherwise go unnoticed.

The system operates continuously, providing 24/7 visual analytics that create tailored, near real-time alerts. This capability allows utility managers to deploy remedial measures before environmental damage occurs, or stakeholders are affected.

TREKK360’s Versatile Applications

At just 8 pounds , TREKK360’s lightweight design  makes it incredibly versatile. The system works with off-the-shelf 360° cameras, allowing easy technology upgrades and field-replaceable components that minimize downtime and costs. This flexibility has led to unexpected applications beyond traditional infrastructure inspection, including use in brewery tank inspections.

The system’s portability enables crews to conduct more inspections daily while significantly reducing the need for dangerous confined space entry. Its rugged construction ensures reliable performance in harsh environments.

Born from Real-World Needs

Both products originated from genuine field requirements rather than theoretical concepts. TREKK360 emerged when the company’s own field crews needed a better manhole inspection solution. Instead of settling for existing options, TREKK developed an in-house system that addressed their specific pain points. This approach ensures the technology works in real-world conditions because it’s tested by the people who built it.

PreView followed a similar path, developed to provide visual verification of infrastructure issues that traditional sensors couldn’t detect. By combining visual intelligence with legacy sensor technologies, PreView fills critical gaps in monitoring capabilities.

“We are our own customer. We use the products we develop every day, which gives us real-world insight and the ability to continuously improve—something most manufacturers can’t offer.” – Kevin Marsh, Director of Innovation

The Innovation Team Behind the Technology

Under Kevin’s leadership, TREKK’s four-person Innovation Team has transformed from a collection of individual contributors into a collaborative, goal-driven unit. This small but capable team operates with the philosophy that they use what they build, providing continuous feedback and faster iteration cycles.

The team’s approach differs significantly from competitors who manufacture products without field experience. TREKK’s innovation team can provide practical guidance based on real-world deployment, making their solutions more effective and user-friendly.

Transforming Operations Through Safety and Efficiency

Both products deliver substantial benefits in three key areas. Safety improvements come from reducing direct human intervention in dangerous environments, particularly confined spaces. Efficiency gains result from enabling more inspections per day and allowing remote issue detection before dispatching crews. Cost reduction occurs through proactive maintenance, reduced emergency responses, and optimized resource allocation.

St. Louis MSD exemplifies these benefits, expanding their PreView usage from detecting inflow and infiltration issues to monitoring bar screens with AI-based alerts. This evolution demonstrates how clients discover additional applications once they experience the technology’s capabilities.

The Evolution of Managed Services

PreView’s go-to-market strategy has evolved based on real-world implementation experience. Initially conceived as a standalone product for national rollout, PreView now proves more effective as part of a managed service offering. This shift reflects TREKK’s understanding that successful technology deployment often requires ongoing support and expertise.

The managed service approach, delivered either by TREKK or authorized partners, ensures clients maximize their investment while reducing the burden of managing complex monitoring systems internally.

The Future Is Remote and Intelligent

Remote infrastructure monitoring represents more than technological advancement; it’s a fundamental shift toward proactive, data-driven infrastructure management. By combining practical field experience with cutting-edge AI capabilities, TREKK is positioning utilities to prevent problems rather than simply respond to them.

“I’m very excited and very confident that we’re going to do great things. I’ve got an extremely talented team, and with coordinated direction and focus, there’s no limit to what we can accomplish.” – Kevin Marsh, Director of Innovation

The success of TREKK360 and PreView demonstrates that the most effective innovations come from understanding real-world challenges and developing solutions that work in actual field conditions. As infrastructure challenges continue growing, remote monitoring systems will become essential tools for maintaining the hidden networks that keep our communities functioning.