Evaluating Trust in AI-Assisted Bridge Inspection through VR

The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in collaborative tasks has gained momentum, with particular implications for critical infrastructure maintenance. This study examines the assurance goals of AI—security, explainability, and trustworthiness—within Virtual Reality (VR) environments for bridge maintenance. Adopting a within-subjects design approach, this research leverages VR environments to simulate real-world bridge maintenance scenarios and gauge user interactions with AI tools. With the industry transitioning from paper-based to digital bridge maintenance, this investigation underscores the imperative roles of security and trust in adopting AI-assisted methodologies. Recent advancements in AI assurance within critical infrastructure highlight its monumental role in ensuring safe, explainable, and trustworthy AI-driven solutions.