Trendspek joins ARIAM Hub to develop solutions for visually challenging assets

Trendspek has joined ARIAM Research Hub to collaborate on a program of research into infrastructure modelling for visually challenging aspects, such as glass facades, windows, water, and other reflective materials.

Professor Ian Manchester, Director of ARIAM Hub says:

“Together, we are tackling the critical research problems that need to be solved, to deliver new knowledge and new technology that optimises decision making and delivers real-world impact."

Insights from Prof. Donald Dansereau

Trendspek interviewed Prof. Don Dansereau from ARIAM Hub about the partnership, and more broadly, what the future of AI in infrastructure could look like.

How will ARIAM Hub and Trendspek work together to research solutions for visually challenging assets?

"The immediate focus is a three-year program improving imaging of assets with reflective surfaces: glass windows, water and other reflective materials. The approach will consider the physics of image formation and representations capable of handling high-dimensional ray-based appearance, enabling existing toolchains to cope with reflective objects."

What emerging AI systems can the infrastructure industry look to benefit from?

"Intelligent systems are poised to play a critical role, particularly in countries like Australia with extensive and ageing infrastructure and a relatively small workforce to maintain it.

ARIAM is working towards automating aspects of understanding and maintaining these assets, both with physically embodied platforms that measure and interact with the world, and in the behind-the-scenes smarts that identify and understand changes and maintenance needs over time."

Prof. Donald Dansereau, ARIAM Research Hub says: 

“What struck me is the level of fidelity and responsiveness of Trendspek, even when faced with massive, highly-detailed assets. It feels like something from the future, and I look forward to making it even better."

Why is it important for Universities and industry parties to partner on this research?

"Relevant and impactful research happens best when experts from the front line of industry work with academics with access to deep knowledge and researchers eager to solve challenging problems. The two can work together to identify and solve deep and practical problems that would not otherwise be addressed."

What inspires you about Trendspek's technology?

"What struck me most is the level of fidelity and responsiveness of Trendspek's technology, even when faced with massive and highly detailed assets. It feels like something from the future, and I look forward to helping make it even better."

There have been mixed opinions on the rise of AI. What impact do you think AI will have on infrastructure over the next 10 years?

"AI's impacts have been different from our expectations, and in the next 10 years I suspect that trend to continue. For example, learning institutions are rapidly adapting to students having access to powerful AI tools, and society as a whole is raising important questions about the relationship between AI and humanity.

I view AI as a tool that we wield, calling for both optimism and caution. While there is extensive potential for misuse, responsibly applied AI amplifies our capacity to achieve goals driven by human purpose, motivation, and ambition."