Page 24 - Climate Control News magazine March 2023

Building defect
detection technology
LEFT: The building assessment tool will be unveiled at Sydney Build Expo.
A BRISBANE-BASED COMPANY COMBINING AI, MACHINE LEARNING AND AUTOMATION TECHNOLOGY WILL MAKE ITS MARK NEXT MONTH AT AUSTRALIA’S BIGGEST CONSTRUCTION EXPO.
ARECENT RECIPIENT OF the Queensland Government’s Ignite Ideas Grant, Voltin will unveil its new Autonomous Building Assessment tool, the AutoBAT 3.0, at Sydney Build on 6 & 7 March.
The company said the upgraded building defect detection device offers greater accuracy and at a lower cost than other
market solutions.
Launched in late 2020, Voltin uses artificial intelli- gence and machine learning (AIML) to identify defects in multi-storey commercial and residential towers, providing
early and accurate data on structural and maintenance issues.
The company has already demon-
strated the commerciality of its system
using the AutoBAT 2.0 data capture device that uses geotagged RGB and thermal imagery to identify specific spaces that may have defects.
The device then utilises AIML technology to compare imagery alongside satellite location information to provide comprehensive assess- ments and reporting.
Following further system improvements, the new AutoBAT 3.0 will be on display for the first time at Sydney Build. It features an enhanced software control system, higher resolution cam- eras and sensors in a more compact and versa- tile design.
The Voltin system analyses concrete, glass, metal and other surface compounds to identify defects and prioritises repairs mapped onto the building model and digital
building report.
It offers a significant advantage for
building owners and property manag- ers by providing the clearest picture possible of the state of a building.
Voltin director Stephen Thornton
said the opportunity to reduce risk for investors and asset managers, as well as improve safety outcomes for tenants, makes the system a game-changer.
He said traditional façade assessments require inspectors to climb ladders or scaffold- ing and manually review a building exterior.
“While drone technology offers a safer approach to building inspections, there are restrictions on when and where drones can be used,” Thornton said.
For example, drones cannot be used in con- trolled airspace areas, plus some regulations limit their use in populated sites in most CBD areas.
The AutoBAT solves this problem. It can be deployed vertically, ensuring an inspection can occur without breeching air safety regulations or requiring physical inspections in risky conditions.
The KNXperience will be held on 26-27 September, 2023.
The KNX Hackathon itself will take place as part of the KNXperience on the 26-27 September, 2023.
To register for the competition visit: https:// Hackathon.knx.org
Hacking for sustainability
KNX IS STEPPING up its efforts in the fight against climate change announcing the first KNX Hackathon on the topic of sustainability.
The two-day event will bring together the global KNX community to share experiences, ideas, best practice information and effective solutions for reducing the energy consumption and the carbon footprint of homes and build- ings by using KNX technology.
The winners of the competition will be awarded the prestigious "KNX Hackathon 2023" trophy and prize money.
Sustainability has been one of the most important topics for KNX. Thanks to its ever- evolving features, versatile applicability and broad interoperability, the world's leading technical standard for smart homes and build- ings has been the foundation for the most innovative and ground-breaking energy man- agement solutions in the residential and com- mercial building sector.
The worldwide competition is open to any- one who can demonstrate how to save energy using KNX.
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