New research from the University of Salford reveals a revolutionary way to tackle damp, mould, and home disrepair using cutting-edge artificial intelligence.
Published today in the International Journal of Pattern Recognition and Artificial Intelligence, the findings show how AI can be harnessed to detect these issues with remarkable accuracy, providing a transformative solution for millions of UK households.
Damp and mould growth in homes pose severe health risks, contributing to respiratory infections, allergies, eczema, and bronchitis. Vulnerable populations, such as children, the elderly, and those in care homes, are particularly at risk. The tragic death of two-year-old Awaab Ishak in Rochdale in December 2020 due to exposure to severe damp and mould underscored the urgent need for better tools to address housing disrepair.
The research, led by the University of Salford lecturers in AI, Taha Mansouri and Ali Alameer, demonstrates how machine learning can identify patterns and colours associated with mould, overcoming the challenge of its irregular appearance. “Using AI posed challenges as mould is not a uniform shape,” Dr Mansouri explained. “But we could teach it to recognise patterns and colours, and we are confident that we can improve on this further in future work.”
The study’s findings have been brought to life through the IntelOptic-powered app. The app is already making a real-world impact by offering a fast and accurate tool for detecting damp and disrepair in homes. With a current success rate of 76%, the technology is helping tenants and homeowners identify problems early, preventing them from escalating into costly or harmful situations.
The IntelOptic app is not only improving home health but also providing significant benefits to local councils. By enabling early detection of issues, the app reduces the need for time-consuming on-site inspections, allowing resources to be allocated more efficiently. This proactive approach addresses minor issues before they develop into major problems, saving councils time and money while improving housing conditions for residents.
“The app is an impactful example of Salford’s approach to applying AI to solve real-world problems,” added Dr Mansouri. “It reflects our mission to share expertise and train skilled professionals to make a tangible difference in people’s lives.”
You can download the app from here – https://www.inteloptic.com/
