Voltin have developed an innovative façade condition assessment system that captures high-resolution visual data for high-rise buildings in dense population areas.
Voltin’s technical innovation – AutoBAT2.0 – captures visual and thermographic data, to accurately scan a façade, identifying the location and nature of critical defects. They use an autonomous electro-mechanical device (with the versatility of a drone) with a software controller which is suspended from the rooftop to capture all the data.
This data allows building/facility managers to clearly visualise the condition and safety of their building exteriors, and they can also integrate the data with their own building management software.
Voltin received $100,000 in Advance Queensland Ignite Ideas Round 9 funding to further market their product and attend trade and industry exhibitions.
We spoke with Stephen Thornton, Director at Voltin, about this innovative technology and what’s on the horizon for this ambitious business.
What inspired you to start your business?
Traditionally, façade inspections are manpower intensive alongside high-risk climbing structures, offering limited scope, detail, and accuracy. With the recent problems concerning Australia-wide structural building defects and combustible cladding, a call for a more thorough system was needed.
We believed an automated digital solution was the answer.
What milestones have been reached?
Our defect geo-location system is architecturally accurate within 10 millimetres and we can now work within the 5.5 kilometre controlled aerodrome space thanks to the introduction of the AutoBAT and a ground-tethered system.
We’ve also improved our data processing algorithms meaning that we can complete our reporting faster and with more accuracy.
Because of these achievements, Voltin has successfully been contracted by AMP Capital Investments Ltd, Jones Lang La Salle, and Knight Frank to inspect buildings in their portfolios.
What achievements are you most proud of to date?
We’re proud of providing a technology-based solution to a problem that was previously a low accuracy, manual and visual process.
Also, the development of an electro-mechanical and software system that captures data that is then analysed for structural and surface defects in all environments, which has the versatility of a UAV (drone) without the limitations.
What are your business goals over the next 12-24 months?
We have a few goals that we’d like to achieve over the next couple of years, including:
- Establishing Voltin in the facility services market in Australia
- Expand into Australia and New Zealand and secure subscriptions with 30 customers that will service about 75 buildings a year
- Ensuring four AutoBAT systems are operational for deployment to multiple locations
- Expand into the Asia Pacific
How will use your Ignite Ideas funding?
Voltin will use this funding to market to different locations, like New Zealand and the Asia Pacific. We also want to attend trade and industry exhibitions, like Ideaction 2023, Sydney Build Expo 2023 and Australian Proptech Summit , to promote our product and service.
How will this funding assist your business to grow and/or create jobs?
It’ll create awareness and demand for the product and service, which will then lead to more jobs in the future.
Why would you recommend applying for Advance Queensland programs, such as the Ignite Ideas Fund?
Ignite Ideas provides an acceleration in the commercialisation of the product/service. We would strongly recommend businesses submit an application for an Ignite Ideas grant to enhance the marketing and promotion of their product/service.
If any, what other support have you received from Advance Queensland or the Queensland Government?
We received support of $5,000 through the Business Basics Grant scheme in 2021.
Why is it important to support Queensland businesses, innovators, and entrepreneurs?
Business growth is the linchpin to a developing economy, which then drives better life outcomes.
What’s your advice for other entrepreneurs and businesses starting out on their innovation journey?
Patience and perseverance!
