Assessing vehicle damage after an accident or severe weather often relies on manual inspections, which can be subjective and imprecise. With existing software, or worse - manual tools, accurately identifying and quantifying damage remains a challenge, particularly for subtle or widespread issues like hail damage. This creates inefficiencies for repair shops, insurers, and vehicle owners, often leading to delays and disagreements.
At ROONIQ, we’re developing groundbreaking technology to transform this experience. By combining 3D scanning with a car’s CAD model, and leveraging advanced machine learning, our system identifies and accurately quantifies body damage. This enables insurers to offer instant, qualified cash payouts whilst significantly reducing delays for customers. For car owners, this means a less stressful, more transparent process during an already challenging time. With ongoing advancements, including solutions for complex challenges like hail damage, ROONIQ aims to set a new standard for automotive damage assessment.
The Current Challenges in Damage Assessment
The process of assessing vehicle damage has, to this day, remained largely manual. Relying on visual inspections, basic tools, and the expertise of assessors. While this approach works for obvious damage, it often falters when dealing with subtle issues or complex scenarios, such as hail damage or structural misalignments. Subjectivity in assessments can lead to inconsistencies, as what one inspector considers minor, another might classify as significant.
Additionally, manual processes are prone to errors at various stages. Measurements taken with traditional tools can lack precision, and even small discrepancies can compound into larger problems when repairs are planned. Transcription errors during the documentation phase further complicate matters, leading to miscommunication between repair shops, insurers, and vehicle owners. These challenges not only increase the time and cost of the assessment process but also reduce confidence in its accuracy, often leading to lengthy disputes. The automotive industry is ripe for a technological solution that eliminates these pain points and delivers consistent, objective results.
How ROONIQ’s Technology Works
At ROONIQ, we’re developing a cutting-edge system that combines 3D scanning technology with the precise geometry of a car’s CAD model to revolutionize damage assessment. By leveraging the depth data captured on-site on consumer mobile devices, our system can identify discrepancies between a vehicle’s current state and its original design. This innovative approach provides an objective and highly detailed Proof of Measurement dataset.
Our technology doesn’t just detect damage; it quantifies it. By analyzing the extent, location, and severity of the impact, we aim to eliminate guesswork and subjective evaluations. For example, in a scenario where a collision results in structural misalignment or denting, our system can accurately map out the exact regions affected. This capability has the potential to streamline repair processes, reduce costs, and foster greater transparency in damage reporting. While still a work in progress, our system already demonstrates significant promise and together with industry partners is actively being refined to handle even more complex challenges, such as hail damage.
Real-World Application: Improving Body Shop Workflows
Consider a typical scenario after a car accident. The owner must schedule a visit to a body shop, often taking time off work or rearranging their day to deliver the vehicle. Once there, the assessor spends time visually inspecting the car, manually measuring damage, and estimating the repairs needed. This process can be slow, leading to delays in repairs and potential frustration for the customer.
With ROONIQ’s technology, this entire process becomes more efficient and convenient. Using a smartphone, the car owner can capture depth data on-site — whether at home, work, or the accident scene. This data is then compared to the car’s CAD model, allowing for a detailed and objective analysis of the damage. Discrepancies are identified instantly, providing insurers with comprehensive reports and enabling repair shops to plan repairs more effectively. This not only saves time but also eliminates the hassle of multiple trips to the shop, creating a more seamless experience for everyone involved, especially the customer.
Future Applications: Tackling Hail Damage
Hail damage poses a unique challenge in automotive assessment, with its numerous small dents spread across a vehicle’s upward facing surfaces. Traditional methods involve the customer having to drive to fixed installations operated by third party companies. ROONIQ is actively refining its technology by leveraging 3D scanning, CAD model comparisons, and machine learning in the 2D image space to address this issue. This combination aims to identify and measure hail damage with unmatched accuracy whilst at the customers premises. Though still in development, this capability has the potential to set a new standard, ensuring no dent goes unnoticed while saving time and effort for repair shops, insurers, and vehicle owners alike.
The Bigger Picture: Enhancing Efficiency Across the Automotive Industry
ROONIQ’s innovative approach to damage assessment wouldn’t only improve individual workflows; it has the potential to redefine efficiency and accuracy across the automotive industry. For insurers, the ability to provide precise and objective damage evaluations reduces disputes and accelerates claims processing, cutting costs and improving customer satisfaction. Additionally, insurers can leverage this detailed data to make instant, qualified cash offers to customers, simplifying and speeding up the resolution process. Repair shops also benefit from optimized planning and resource allocation, resulting in faster repairs and reduced overhead.
The impact extends beyond operations and towards sustainability. Accurate damage identification minimizes unnecessary repairs and reduces material waste, aligning with the EU’s growing demand for eco-friendly practices and waste reduction. For vehicle owners, the combination of convenience, transparency, and quicker resolution enhances their experience during what is often a stressful time. By introducing a data-driven, objective standard, ROONIQ is setting a new benchmark for the industry, paving the way for smarter and more sustainable automotive solutions.
Why Choose ROONIQ?
ROONIQ stands out as a leader in this technology. Addresses real-world challenges with accuracy and convenience. Our system aims to combine 3D scanning, CAD model comparisons, and machine learning to deliver precise, objective damage evaluations, eliminating subjectivity, guesswork and human error. Providing actionable insights that streamline workflows for repair shops, insurers, and vehicle owners alike.
What truly sets us apart is our commitment to innovation and accessibility. By leveraging consumer mobile devices, we make advanced damage assessment technology available at the customer’s premises, reducing the need for inconvenient visits to fixed locations. Whether it’s simplifying insurance claims, enhancing repair planning, or addressing complex challenges like hail damage, ROONIQ is paving the way for smarter, faster, and more sustainable solutions in the automotive industry.
If you’re ready to explore how ROONIQ’s technology can transform your workflows, we’d love to hear from you. Schedule a demo or contact us today to see how we can collaborate to redefine automotive damage assessment and repair.
