The AutoBAT 3.0

topic chosen

The topic chosen for this project was the Identification of specialised AI and robotics within building facade detection and inspection.
I chose this topic as AI technology and the growth of complex machinery is extremely interesting to me. The field is also the type of work I’d like to be working in.

research methods used

Two research method approaches were undertaken and executed.
– A quantitative method, and a qualitative method.

Both methods were utilised as it provides a better understanding of research problems than either approach alone.

The first method incorporated 12 open ended questions, prepared for the interview sessions. Seven interviews were conducted to gather in-depth information and to assess the viability of data collected.
The second method included a visual observation undertaken on a job site where the AutoBAT was being utilised on a building within Brisbane’s CBD.

Issues identified

100% respondents addressed the issues of time, intensive labour, and costs to be the main issues around façade inspections. They agreed that to improve methods of inspections, AI integrated machine learning is the most effective and resourceful implementation. AI within the façade inspection industry can make major improvements to the users, clients, and businesses.

design considerations

The ideation and directions considered were limited to 3 design approaches. Firstly the AutoBAT 3.0 design, followed by an alternative design, concluding with a tethered drone option.

introducing the autobat 3.0

This is the AutoBAT 3.0.

The product exhibits a seamless and refined design. It is easily accessible and usable, whilst remaining lightweight and compact. The design is comprehensive and is simple yet effective in achieving results. Features of ergonomic details within the handles and the overall form make the AutoBat 3.0 an extremely user friendly and user centred designed product.

I have designed this device to target areas of user centred design. It is an innovative design as it’s effective and requires minimal effort and time to achieve the same results. Through innovation, it has evolved from the traditional BMU and has grown to be more efficient than current methods. The AutoBAT 3.0 better suits the stakeholder market whilst improving user experience.

The device serves key purposes of,
– ensuring the safety of civilians within built structures,
– Maintaining the life longevity of buildings and its structural integrity,
– Detects safety hazards and resource wastage using thermal cameras.

This is achieved through capturing façade imagery, analysing, and processing data to provide building owners with a comprehensive breakdown of what is at risk.

Handle and usage

The device is designed for a specific user group, rope access technicians targetting those with proper training experience around this particular device. The idea to allow rope access technicians to utilise and manage this device was because prior to this design concept, they were the main inspectors of a buildings facades.

Over the past decade, building maintenance devices have developed from the traditional method of inspection (rope access technicians) to the automated machine known as a building maintenance unit (BMU). Now making it even more compact, user friendly and efficient, the AutoBAT 3.0 does exactly the same process but only better! The device scans buildings facades to provide building owners and building managers with a comprehensive audit of what is occurring within an establishment. A building audit can play a big role in ensuring transparency is maintained, providing owners with an educated understanding of what the building requires now and possibly for the next 5 years. Transparency is vital to successfully managing the spending of monies on the asset with the benefits to the building being at the forefront of all decisions being made.

A building assessment will help identify the following,
– The current condition,
– Risks associated with the current condition,
– Defects detected,
– Helps determine total remedial costs.

design in context

You can visualise how the autoBAT 3.0 will be utilised in its designed environment. The product can be widely used within many different industries such as construction, underground mining, and the inspection of bridges. It accommodates to a wide variety of establishments and environments. In the next slide, a video demonstration of how to utilise the product will be shown.

Video demonstration

technical details

This image includes a breakdown of all the components included in the AutoBAT design.

How does it work?

The device is attached to strong and durable role which is joint to a carabiner then to an industrial boom. Once the device is secured into place, a rope access technician would start to lower the device down a buildings facade. The pace to lower the device must be at a moderate speed whilst ensuring it is capturing quality data.

The device utilises a thermal camera attached to a compact gimbal, which captures imagery of a façade with capabilities of a 180-degree camera field of view. The thermal component detects anomalies and defects within a façade by outlining areas of a building using colour coding. If a section of a building is detected as red, this means the integrity of the façade is needing attention. Undetected defects can lead to safety hazards, non-compliant building regulations and resource wastage. The algorithm behind the machine efficiently analyses the data collected and can provide clients with a comprehensive 2D or 3D audit of an inspected building.

Once the facade is complete, the device is levered back up the facade and packed away into a safe transportation storage box.

value and purpose

The AutoBAT 3.0 caters to the intended stakeholders, by minimising danger, and the time and costs spent. This is achieved through effective technology and improved design capabilities. The design is straight forward and comprehensive in the results it delivers.