Innovation can lead to unlimited possibilities in several sectors when coupled with sheer will to reinvent. There are people who think about innovation and there are those who innovate to make the world a better place. Additionally, whenever two people are working on inventing something, they both have different perspectives on a single topic. These perspectives should be utilized and directed towards a single goal where innovation happens. It can be a micro change but it has the capability to transform the whole process. Thus, small changes which make big impacts can be termed as innovations.
Paving her way on the path of innovation, Pae Natwilai, a creative technologist and the Founder and CEO of TRIK, is known for her unique approach in utilizing a user-centered design for technology innovation. After completing her Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical and Robotic Engineering at Chulalongkorn University in Thailand, Pae began her career as an inspection and maintenance engineer at the Thai National Oil and Gas Company called PTTEP. While working there, Pae was continually searching for good opportunities which would untangle her aim to innovate and introduce powerful solutions like TRIK. Pae’s undefeated efforts won her scholarship to study an MA/MSc in Global Innovation Design at Imperial College London and the Royal College of Art (RCA).
Catering to the Most Essential Needs of Data Collection and Analysis of Buildings
In her expedition of utilizing human-robotic interaction, the idea of using drones took shape in Pae’s mind. This approach was reaffirmed after witnessing the tragic incident of the Grenfell Tower fire. She realized an innate need for affordable and easy-to-use inspection tools that can detect such problems leading to immediate response.
Additionally, her prior experience of working in the oil and gas sector was of great assistance as it helped her in realizing the huge impact of drones on the construction and infrastructure industries. In these industries, the traditional way of climbing buildings to perform vital structural checks included a huge amount of scaffolding. Thus, Pae saw great potential in drones that could roam around the building. It can also ease the work of data collection and eliminate the risks of climbing while significantly saving time and money. Through her extensive knowledge of layouts, Pae designed an interactive system that enabled users to point a drone to a particular structure. Later completing her degree, Pae developed a complete system that not only made data capturing much easier but also helped to automatically derive more valuable insights from the data.
TRIK Platform, Powered by AI
The leading enterprise software solution—TRIK, coupled with the use of drones not only allows efficient use of drone photography but also eliminates the risks in the structural inspection. It automatically turns drone photo feeds into an interactive and measurable 3D model that further, enables the user to annotate on any specific point. The database allows users to search for photos, draw additional data, detect structural changes, and create maintenance projects and reports directly from TRIK platform. The 3D model generated also gets improved with TRIK’s AI-powered system that automatically detects defects. It can also track changes through time which can be utilized for predictive maintenance and trend forecasting. Early defect identification and cure is the prime advantage of utilizing the TRIK solution.
With a powerful 3D database system, local authorities can have a smarter and more insightful record that will be used to manage the asset. Likewise, the database system enables fire brigade and emergency services teams to compare the old condition of a structure with the new one. While mentioning the capabilities of TRIK, Pae proudly asserts, “Understanding how TRIK could have such an impact on people’s lives like in these situations, makes me get up every morning and calls me back the next day with more passion.”
Moving forward, Pae and her team are currently discussing collaboration possibilities with leading partners and also developing 3D Machine Learning features which will enable automatic 3D change detection, real-time 3D mapping, and 3D trend forecasting.
“Staying focused and knowing when to say ‘no’ is the key to success,” says Pae
“We receive interest from many people in all industries, however, not every opportunity comes at the right time. The team needs to have the right skills, experience and passion to make such an innovative technology like our software successful. This applies to both clients and employees. It takes a huge amount of courage to turn down big clients, as well as turning down amazing people who want to work with us. However, staying focused and knowing when to say ‘no’ is the key to success” shares Pae. Thus, while managing clients’ expectations and working for them and the success of her company, Pae has to make strict decisions related to hiring workforce and other projects, because people without the right skills or experience cannot fit with the company’s highly advanced infrastructure.
In terms of leadership, Pae considers APAC as an opportunistic region. She believes that entrepreneurship is an open and accessible concept for all genders here. Compared to the UK, there is significantly less stigma in being a ‘female’ leader. However, according to Pae entrepreneurs in APAC countries are more attracted to e-commerce rather than developing new or innovative technologies. She believes in taking a keen approach towards looking at people’s problems and make an impact on their lives with new or upgraded technologies.
