Case Study

Manufacturing The World’s First AI Building Facade Inspection System

The ARM Hub, in collaboration with Queensland University of Technology (QUT) teamed up with Voltin to design and manufacture a world-first building facade inspection system.

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Advanced robotics and AI is now proven to help companies create industrial inspection structures and systems that are easier and safer to use, putting our workers at less risk.

The ARM Hub, in collaboration with Queensland University of Technology (QUT) teamed up with Voltin to design and manufacture a world-first building facade inspection system. Using Artificial Intelligence (AI), the inspection system now captures dangers and defects invisible to the human eye.

With a vision to improve current building inspection standards, Voltin is an Australian SME who develops new technology for inspecting high-rise building façades. Their AutoBAT system automates the recording, evaluation, and reporting of building façade defects, significantly transforming traditional methods of inspection.

 

Concept to Approval

From original concept to approved product, ARM Hub has worked alongside Voltin assisting by providing expert advice and access to resources along the way. Voltin engaged with ARM Hub to progress their original innovation, the AutoBAT, from prototype to commercial production with CASA approval. The partnership has led to the product now being used on residential and commercial towers across Queensland, to conduct safe and remote facade inspections.

Working alongside ARM Hub’s robotics and AI experts, Voltin also had access to the expertise of industrial designers at QUT. Voltin collaborated with Dr Timothy Williams, Industrial Design Lead, and Associate Professor Rafael Gomez, Design Lead to assist with the design and development of the product, while working closely with the guidance of ARM Hub Technical Director Jonathan Roberts, and Business Development Manager Melissa Nugent. This allowed for the prototype to excel in production with the guidance of experts on drones, CASA and aerospace science.

As part of the prototyping phase the product underwent testing to allow for improvement of the physical product, in addition to maximising the data captured. This has allowed for Voltin to utilise the augmentation of the company’s AI to produce data-as-a-service business models.

Following the success of the AutoBAT, Voltin is set to become a game-changer in facade inspections, property management, and more.

Opportunities for Innovation

The groundbreaking technology provides new, safer, more accurate and cost-effective assessments of building information. The data analysis can be replicated to generate work from adjacent industries.

During the collaborative workshops with ARM Hub, Voltin was able to enhance the original prototype to include further features:

  • Propulsion stabilisation: Through further testing, Voltin was able to enhance the product to add extra stabilisation during the data collection use.
  • Anti-collision sensors: With the addition of this feature, the AutoBAT will be able to conduct its purpose without the risk of collusion with test building and external factors.
  • Software remote control systems: Allowing for easier access to a test building, the AutoBAT can be controlled at a remote location.
  • Digital data capture and geo-location: The new features allow for data to be captured and tracked with more ease.
  • Thermal and RGB image comparison: With multiple images taken throughout facade testing, AutoBAT allows for greater comparison during the analysis phase.

 

 

What’s Next?

Although the collaboration has already reached new heights (pun intended), the innovation does not stop there. To maximise further innovations, Voltin are engaging ARM Hub in their production and manufacturing processes. The next phase of engagement will explore robotic tooling for the manufacturing of the AutoBAT 2.0.

More information: Contact ARM Hub – info@armhub.com.au