Predictions on what will happen in the next 1-2 years are difficult. But by looking at where we are NOW and studying trends in other Industries, we will get a clearer picture of how AI will affect the UK Waterproofing / RCI / and Contracting Industry. Change will be an evolution, not a revolution but it is happening very rapidly compared to previous industrial and technological developments. The speed of AI and Robotics is taking experts and myself by surprise. We need the Waterproofing Industry / RCI and Contracting industries to dip their toes into the future of AI and embrace Robotics, especially in Waterproofing and building Concrete walls so, during the last 12 months here are only a few of the innovations we have been involved with and closely following.
- A major Drone company is interested in not only doing Roof Surveys but would like to get involved in the specification of Roofing and Waterproofing.
- New Creative platforms are emerging to replace the existing platforms like Google, YouTube, Tik Tok and Instagram. These will allow manufacturers, Specification Companies, and many Distribution companies to connect DIRECTLY with audiences such as Building Surveyors, Architects, Factory Owners, etc.
- 2 x Robots for waterproofing large flat roofs and low-slope roofs are in working TODAY in the UK and this technology will dominate the waterproofing of large flat and low-slope roofs where the surface area is greater than 1000sqm because the Robots will spray up to 1800 sqm per day, and show major cost savings to the Building Surveyor and Client.
- In less than 3 years new Robots will be able to drill “core samples” on an existing roof structure and AI will analyse the core samples for moisture content etc…
- Technical Salesmen who carry out Roof surveys will slowly be replaced by Drones.
- The AI HUB -Waterproofing has collaborated with a few European companies to design 21st-century materials with AI tools of the 21st Century.
One European liquid waterproofing manufacturer has been using AI to help design and launch the World’s First PU liquid waterproofing system which is Roller Applied/ squeegee applied and Solvent Free, laid in one layer at 2kg per sqm, needs no reinforcement, has the highest fire rating and Rapid curing and this innovative liquid waterproofing is 4 times stronger than normal liquid waterproofing and has the same strength as conventional Bitumen Reinforced Roofing Felt. The £90million Liquid waterproofing industry in the UK uses 2 layer systems with glass fibre or polyester reinforcement and all contain Solvents with Odour. So, could this AI technology be DISRUPTIVE and make Bitumen Roofing feel obsolete.?
Primer for Damp/ wet surfaces – The waterproofing industry has always insisted on Drying the existing Roof structure before applying a Primer. Using AI and smart algorithms one European manufacturer has optimised the composition of one type of Polymer Resin to allow a 100 % full bond to a very damp surface. So, will AI disprove the classic laws of Chemistry that nothing adheres to a damp/ wet surface?
- The AI Hub -waterproofing has been evaluating the use of Togal.ai- an estimating tool for all contractors which can search dozens of documents without having to do it manually. In the Future Togal.ai will be able to read Blue-Prints and give correct dimensions.
- AI will significantly impact the Waterproofing, RCI and Contracting Industry by creating new job roles, optimising the workplace, and transforming the business process relating to information and document management. AI will dramatically improve productivity and will even recommend which Waterproofing, Cladding and Insulation products to use.
- The AI Hub -waterproofing has noted that Soprema Waterproofing has decided to join the AI Augmented R and D Chair – to reconsider future R and D in the light of Artificial Intelligence.
- AI used to be only for large companies, due to high upfront costs. New AI initiatives has made costs to be dramatically reduced. Now small and medium companies and contractors can easily afford to experiment with AI.
- Customer Support in the Metaverse -there is no doubt, in my mind, that the future Internet with AI will challenge existing business models and present exciting opportunities for new business models. With the age of the Metaverse, the Waterproofing, RCI and all Contractors will be able to communicate with customers in 3D Real Time. When Roofing and Cladding products fail problems will be diagnosed visually in Real Time by remote support staff viewing the site/ product application via a video link.
- For Future Customer queries AI Chatbots or even human customer service agents could take the shape of Virtual Avatars that converse with customers in the Metaverse.
- Note- the Metaverse is an emerging 3D-enabled digital space that uses virtual reality, augmented reality and other advanced internet technology to allow people to have lifelike personal and business experiences online. It could be both a digital playground for friends or it can also be a Commercial Space for customers and companies.
