A mobile app has been developed that identifies damp and disrepair issues in homes.
Claim assessment service Claim.co.uk, in partnership with the University of Salford, has developed the app. It uses the IntelOptic AI platform, which has been trained on more than 27,000 data sets. The app can analyse disrepair images in just 1.5 seconds with up to 95% accuracy, the developers claim, helping users detect damp, mould, and structural issues early, ensuring their homes remain safe and healthy.
After the user takes a photo of any suspected disrepair the app analyses the image and provides detailed analysis and recommendations.
The death of two-year-old Awaab Ishak in Rochdale in December 2020 due to severe damp and mould inspired the creation of the Claim.co.uk app. A scientific paper detailing the AI technology used in IntelOptic is pending publication.
Taha Mansouri and Ali Alameer, both lecturers in AI at the University of Salford, collaborated in developing the core computer vision model for the app. Mansouri said: “Claim.co.uk is an impactful example of Salford’s approach to applying AI to solve real-world problems by sharing expertise and educating skilled professionals.”
Claim.co.uk said the app reduces the need for extensive onsite inspections, allowing councils to allocate resources more efficiently. Early detection through IntelOptic means that minor issues can be addressed before they become major problems, ultimately saving time and reducing the costs associated with prolonged disrepair.
Don’t miss out on BIM and digital construction news: sign up to receive the BIMplus newsletter.
It’s about time we had an app like this! So many people struggle with housing issues and legal claims but can’t afford the support they need. This app seems like a real game-changer, especially with its AI features detecting mould. Great to see this app is being adopted by local councils. Might stop them going bankrupt!