Next level digitalisation: A number of providers are working on digital damage assessment using artificial intelligence. One of them is Deutsche Automobil Treuhand. At the end of the year, DAT should have its solution for AI-based analysis of accident and wear damage ready for market. But the system is not intended to replace the (human) expert.
DAT is using new software with the dynamic name “FastTrackAI”. The core component is artificial intelligence (AI), which is intended to make work easier for users. Initial pilot projects are currently running with companies who are testing the system. Some of them are in Italy.
Up-do-date calculation of repair costs
A special smartphone app guides the user through the process. This includes initial identification of the vehicle, e.g. using number plate recognition or the chassis number. Damage is then automatically analysed based on pictures taken on the smartphone and uploaded to the app.
The “DAT7XM” artificial intelligence automatically detects the relevant body parts, including any damage. As soon as this damage is identified, the system performs an initial calculation of the repair scope using up-to-date data, based on the DAT vehicle database. This should provide a very accurate estimate of the costs for all equipment versions.
Accurate and up-to-date calculation of repair costs is a clear competitive advantage, as Helmut Eifert, a director of DAT, explained to Autohaus. “This distinguishes our product from a lot of start-ups that are also offering image recognition in the damaged area.”
Significant time savings
The system cannot replace experts. However, the system is intended to supplement their technical expertise and speed up the processes. “The use of FastTrackAI is extremely simple and enables initial detection of damage in a very short time,” says Alessandro Serra from DAT Italia. In concrete terms, the time savings should be around half an hour per process.
According to DAT, once it is ready for market it will be possible to configure the AI-supported analysis tool for specific target groups. In particular,the product will give experts and specialists in automotive workshops a quick assessment of vehicle damage.
In addition to DAT, other players are working on artificial intelligence for digital claim processing. According to Automobilwoche magazine, the US company Verisk has got together with GT Motive, a specialist in repair data. Their stated aim is also to calculate damage to vehicles using artificial intelligence. The service is set to be rolled out throughout Europe.
