#328 Listening for Leaks – Engineering Matters Awards Innovation Champion, FIDO

Engineering Matters

Worldwide, water is in short supply and high demand, with very real consequences for human health and security. Many countries struggle to maintain aging networks, meaning that more than 20% of clean water is lost before it reaches the customer. New industries, like data centres, are adding to demand, as they use water for cooling.

In this episode, we look at the work of FIDO Tech, which is using AI and acoustics to identify leaks. The idea of listening for leaks is not new. Traditionally, water company engineers would use a steel rod with an ear cup to listen to water flowing through a pipe. But this is a skilled job, which takes time and staff resources to perform.

FIDO first developed its process as part of an innovation accelerator backed by United Utilities. Bringing the product to market demanded careful thought about physical sensor design, and rigorous training of their AI. In a four week trial with Thames Water, their system was able to work through 45,000 historic recordings, and identify leaks with more than 90% accuracy. Now, the company is developing their system to allow for real time detection of leaks, across water networks.

Guests

Victoria Edwards, CEO/Founder, FIDO Tech

Paul Parr, Global Technical Director, FIDO Tech

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