Automatic damage assessment using AI: scanners now at four German airports
In Germany, too, rental cars are inspected for damage by AI scanners. The necessary technology is now available at four local airports, with the fifth to follow.
An AI scanner in use
(Image: Wenn ASA)
The Norwegian company Wenn ASA has now also installed AI scanners at Frankfurt Airport, which scan rental cars on departure and before they are returned for an automated search for damage. This means that "tens of thousands of fully automated vehicle inspections per year" can now take place at Germany's fourth airport, the company explained. This promises "maximum transparency" and fewer disputes. The technology is already in use in Germany at the airports in Berlin, Munich and Stuttgart, as well as in Vienna and at airports in the UK, Norway and Denmark. Next, AI scanners are to be set up in Hamburg this month.
160 images per vehicle
The AI scanners from Wenn ASA were first installed at Munich Airport in Germany. They are used to check the vehicles of all car rental companies based there. Around 1.8 million vehicle scans have been carried out there alone since spring 2023, the company explains. The other airports in Germany have followed suit. For each vehicle, 160 high-resolution images are taken to enable comprehensive documentation. This allows scratches, dents and paint damage to be precisely detected using AI-based analysis. The technology can also be seamlessly integrated into the systems of the respective rental companies, Wenn ASA assures.
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The Norwegian company's system therefore works in the same way as a technology that the US car rental company Hertz has been using since the spring. Just a few days ago, however, the company was criticized for the way it handled detected damage, the lack of transparency in dealing with the costs charged for this and the lack of opportunity to make inquiries. One customer made public how he experienced the system after returning a rental car with a small scratch. Two thirds of the directly charged costs of 440 US dollars were due for the repair, while one third was charged for processing the damage detection and an undisclosed fee.
(mho)
