From inspection to innovation, this is how H3 Zoom.AI develops a blueprint for sustainable cities

“How They See It” is where we delve into the minds of those steering the ships of today’s most dynamic companies. In this instalment, Shaun Koo, CEO of H3 Zoom.AI, tells us about his work leading a pioneering AI technology company. He shares his vision for revolutionising building inspections, the importance of leveraging artificial intelligence for efficiency, and the significance of empowering businesses to enhance safety and operational performance with confidence and precision.

As a team leader at the forefront of building inspection technology, I'm driven by a vision of safer, more efficient, and sustainable urban environments. Our work at H3 Zoom.AI harnesses cutting-edge technologies like artificial intelligence, robotics, and advanced imaging to revolutionise how we assess and maintain structures.

Many people misunderstand our mission, thinking we focus solely on identifying defects. While that's certainly part of what we do, our broader aim is to transform the entire building life cycle process. We're providing comprehensive, data-driven insights that enable proactive maintenance and informed decision-making, ultimately raising the bar for urban quality and safety.

The importance of our work in today's world can't be overstated. Buildings are fundamental to modern living, and by enhancing their safety, efficiency, and sustainability, we're contributing to more resilient urban environments. H3 Zoom.AI’s advanced technologies prevent potential hazards, reduce maintenance costs, and ensure structures meet high safety standards.

This proactive approach saves money in the long run and potentially saves lives by identifying and addressing structural issues before they become critical.

Interior inspector and facade inspector

We've developed some key initiatives that have significantly improved inspection processes for our clients. One is “Interior Inspector”, an AI-powered solution that uses off-the-shelf 360 cameras to detect indoor architectural and structural defects. This technology has accelerated the inspection process by over 95 per cent and provides precise localisation of defects on floor plans or 2D point-cloud maps. 

The speed and accuracy of Interior Inspector allow for more frequent and thorough inspections, catching issues that might be missed in traditional, time-consuming manual inspections. This improves safety and helps building owners and managers plan maintenance more effectively, potentially extending the life of their structures.

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Another breakthrough is H3 Zoom.AI’s 'Facade Inspector' solution, officially accredited by the Singapore Accreditation Council and recognised by the Building Construction Authority. This tool leverages AI-powered analytics and data from wall-robotics and drones to deliver precise and efficient automated exterior inspections. It has since reduced inspection delivery time by over 80 per cent, helping property developers and management firms maintain the structural integrity of their building portfolios with less manpower.

Facade Inspector is particularly crucial for high-rise buildings where traditional inspection methods can be dangerous and costly. Using drones and AI, we can inspect areas that are difficult to access, providing a comprehensive view of a building's exterior condition without putting human inspectors at risk.

A vision for the future

Sustainability is a crucial aspect of our work at H3 Zoom.AI. By enabling preventive maintenance and extending the lifespan of buildings, we're reducing the need for new construction and its environmental impact. Our AI-driven analytics optimise maintenance schedules and resource allocation, minimising waste. 

Additionally, using UAVs and automated technologies significantly reduces the carbon footprint by eliminating the need for extensive scaffolding and manual labour. We're also decreasing emissions by reducing the movement of heavy equipment and the number of trips needed to ferry workers on-site.

These sustainable practices align with global efforts to combat climate change. By helping buildings last longer and operate more efficiently, we're reducing the construction industry's environmental impact, which is responsible for a significant portion of global carbon emissions.

The drive towards smart cities, in particular, embodies the fusion of technology and sustainability. With the integration of AI, IoT, and data analytics, H3 Zoom.AI is creating urban environments that are more efficient, resilient, and responsive to their inhabitants' needs. This transformation enhances the quality of life for residents and significantly reduces environmental impact through smarter resource management and energy efficiency.

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Balancing innovation and acceptance

Still, integrating AI into a traditionally manual industry presents unique challenges. For instance, gaining trust and acceptance from industry stakeholders can be difficult. There's often resistance to change, especially when adopting new technologies in fields that have operated the same way for decades. 

However, the opportunities are vast. AI-driven solutions enhance accuracy, reduce human error, and provide real-time data analytics, leading to smarter, more efficient maintenance and management of urban infrastructure.

For me, success in this field would mean achieving widespread adoption of our AI-driven inspection technologies, leading to safer, more resilient smart cities worldwide. It would also mean that H3 Zoom.AI’s solutions are recognised as the gold standard in the industry, enabling our clients to achieve greater efficiency, cost savings, and compliance with safety regulations.

The hardest part of my job, which I rarely share, is balancing the rapid pace of technological innovation with the slower rate of regulatory and industry acceptance. Navigating the complexities of different markets and regulatory environments while staying ahead in a highly competitive field can be incredibly challenging. Ensuring our technology is user-friendly and provides real value to clients requires constant iteration and feedback.

What fuels me 

Despite the challenges, when I look at the state of the world today, I find hope in the rapid advancements in technology and the increasing awareness of sustainable urban living issues. Seeing innovative solutions address pressing challenges, from climate change to urbanisation and the evolution of smart cities, is incredibly inspiring.

These advancements and collaborative efforts reassure me that we are on the right path despite the challenges we face. With continued innovation and a shared vision, we can create a world that is not only technologically advanced but also environmentally sustainable and socially equitable. This progress gives me immense hope for the future and fuels my passion for our work at H3 Zoom.AI daily.

As we move forward, I envision a world where our technologies make buildings safer and more efficient and contribute to creating truly sustainable, resilient cities. Cities that can adapt to changing environmental conditions, withstand natural disasters, and provide a high quality of life for all inhabitants — this is the future we're working towards, one building inspection at a time.