In today’s tech-savvy world, drones have quickly become a go-to tool for property and facility managers. Drone AI usage is increasing for building inspections, promising cost savings and efficiency. However, while we at BEPG love drone technology, it’s essential to understand that relying solely on drone AI is short-sighted.
Although drones can perform impressive feats, they lack the nuanced touch and sensory perceptions only humans can provide. This blog post addresses why drone AI isn’t sufficient as a stand-alone tool for evaluating your property and why the human touch remains indispensable for comprehensive property inspections.
We want to educate property managers about the alarming trend offered by property/facility management companies to evaluate building envelope issues solely using drone AI and software.
The Rise of Drone AI in Property Inspections
Drone AI is revolutionizing various industries, and property management is no exception. A drone’s ability to quickly and safely inspect large and previously inaccessible areas has made them incredibly popular among property managers. These high-tech gadgets can capture detailed images and videos, providing valuable assessment data.
Warning: Many facility management companies tout drone inspections as a cost-effective AND comprehensive inspection.
They are partially correct. Drone inspections significantly cut costs and reduce risks by eliminating the need for ladders, scaffolding, and other safety equipment. Additionally, drones deliver results quickly, allowing for timely decision-making.
However, drone inspections by themselves are not comprehensive. While drones excel at capturing visual data, they miss essential elements that only the human senses can detect. This understanding should instill a sense of caution and the need for a balanced approach in property inspections.
The Haunting Limitations of Drone AI Technology
Despite their advanced capabilities, drones have significant shortcomings in thoroughly evaluating a property. They are programmed to “see” specific things and do not have human senses or logic.
For instance, a drone can capture images of a roof but can’t determine if it’s soft or weak. Such structural issues require a human inspector to step on the roof and assess its condition physically.
In another example, drones cannot detect unusual odors, which can be critical in identifying underlying problems. A foul smell might indicate mold, gas leaks, or other issues that need immediate attention. Human inspectors can use their sense of smell to pinpoint these problems, ensuring a thorough evaluation.
Furthermore, drones do not have the logic to infer that detecting one issue should prompt a closer inspection of related areas—they simply follow predefined algorithms. Human expertise is essential for
- interpreting these findings,
- knowing where to look for related issues, and
- guiding the drone in its inspection.
A drone and its operator may be unable to provide context and reasoning behind detected issues. While it can highlight a crack in a wall, the drone, and an untrained drone operator can’t determine the cause, extend the investigation to other areas, or recommend a solution.
For a comprehensive building inspection and assessment, the drone operator should be a building envelope consultant trained to identify issues with a building’s exterior.
The Power of the Human Touch: Zombie-Proofing Your Property
Human building envelope inspectors are irreplaceable in zombie-proofing your building (or getting a comprehensive property evaluation). Just like a zombie apocalypse requires a keen eye and quick thinking, property inspections demand a level of intuition and judgment that drone AI can’t replicate.
Building envelope consultants bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table. They can assess the property’s overall condition and identify potential issues. During the drone inspection, they use their expertise to guide the drone in investigating other areas based on the conditions they’re seeing. Their ability to adapt to unexpected situations and think critically ensures a thorough and accurate evaluation.
Combining human expertise with drone technology achieves a more comprehensive approach to property inspections. Drones handle the initial data collection, while human inspectors provide the essential sensory input and critical analysis needed for a complete assessment.
The Future of Property Inspections: A Fusion of Technology and Human Expertise
To overcome drone AI’s limitations, a hybrid approach that combines technology with human expertise is the way forward. This approach creates a more efficient and effective inspection process by leveraging both strengths, ultimately leading to a more comprehensive property evaluation.
At Building Envelope Professionals Group (BEPG), we pride ourselves on being early adopters and leaders in the industry of drone inspections and assessments. Our pioneering efforts in integrating drone technology with our team’s extensive expertise have positioned us at the forefront of innovation in property inspections.
Our on-site drone inspections provide context, reasoning, and critical insights behind the findings. For instance, a building envelope consultant can identify a structural issue, determine its cause, recommend a solution, and predict potential future issues. This balanced approach ensures a thorough and accurate assessment, ultimately delivering superior results for our clients.
Furthermore, advancements in AI and technology hold promise for improving drone capabilities. Enhancing algorithms and incorporating additional sensors can make drones more adept at detecting complex issues.
At BEPG, we are committed to staying on top of technological advancements and utilizing the most cutting-edge tools available. However, even with these improvements, the human touch will remain indispensable for comprehensive property evaluations. Our team of experts will continue to provide the critical insights and contextual understanding that technology alone cannot achieve.
Conclusion
While drone AI offers numerous benefits for property inspections, more is needed when providing a comprehensive evaluation. Drone technology’s limitations—such as its inability to detect structural issues via touch or provide context and direction during the inspection—highlight the need for human expertise.
At Building Envelope Professionals Group (BEPG), we believe in a balanced approach that combines the efficiency of drone technology with the critical insights of building envelope consultants. By doing so, we can ensure thorough and accurate property assessments, ultimately saving time, money, and resources.
This Halloween, as you think about “zombie proofing” your property, remember that the human touch is essential for a complete and reliable evaluation. Don’t rely solely on drone AI and software to inspect and assess your building’s exterior; consider the whole picture and make informed decisions to protect your valuable assets.