The Architectural Services Department uses artificial intelligence and drone to support external wall inspection for Government buildings
- Promotion of I&T Adoption in the Government
- Architectural Services Department
Being responsible for providing preventive maintenance services for over 8,000 government buildings, the Architectural Services Department (ArchSD) inspects the external walls of buildings for cracks and other defects. The work requires substantial manual efforts and consumes a lot of resources. For those tall buildings located in high building-density areas, the Department may need to set up scaffolds or use suspended working platforms to conduct close examinations, which are costly and prone to safety risks for the staff working at height. In addition, the increasing number of aged government buildings puts pressure on ArchSD’s manpower.
ArchSD actively explores the use of innovation and technology to address the challenges, and has started a trial project on 15 selected government buildings with funding support from the TechConnect Block Vote.
A drone equipped with visible light and a thermographic camera is deployed to capture the images of the external wall condition. The images are then automatically analysed by AI for defect identification. A web-based cloud platform is also developed to help the staff to navigate the inspection findings on defects identified by AI intuitively for necessary follow-up repairs.
The use of technology enables ArchSD to better safeguard building safety and public safety
by improving inspection efficiency and accuracy while optimising departmental resources
reduce cost for using scaffolds suspended working platform
address concerns on staff’s occupational safety
enhance the efficiency of defect identification
With the adoption of new technologies, the cost for using scaffolds or suspended working platforms can be saved and the concerns on staff’s occupational safety can be addressed. The use of AI has also enhanced the efficiency of defect identification with savings of approximately 2/3 of manpower and time throughout the process.
