An IoT solution that can detect and prevent water damage in smart buildings using LoRA networks has received a boost with a partnership between London-based start-up LAIIER, which has developed the technology, and manufacturing and distribution specialist OKdo. The agreement means that the building surface detection sensors will be globally manufactured and distributed by OKdo via direct channels, global partners and through the RS Group PLC, OKdo’s parent company.

According to OKdo, the new technology addresses what it determines to be an $81 billion market opportunity.

LAIIER’s Surface to Cloud solution is designed to reduce costs associated with damage and inefficiencies in smart buildings through early warnings for events like water leaks. Capable of detecting as little as two drops of water, the sensors are fitted via smart tape, allowing for easier installation and wider application. A single printed sensor can monitor up to four square metres while remaining precise enough to detect small leaks. 

LAIIER’s printed sensors are connected to LoRaWAN-enabled, battery-powered hardware devices, that communicate with the LAIIER cloud for real-time feedback and preventative action. 

The partnership with OKdo will enable customers to collaborate with engineers at OKdo who have the licence and capability to create bespoke, customised hardware designs to further proliferate the technology.  

OKdo and LAIIER can customise the technology to detect other substances in addition to water, including bulk solids such as grain, sugars, powders and hydrocarbons as well as other liquids.  

LAIIER is designed as a predictive maintenance and continuous monitoring solution for commercial property insurers and facilities management, and technology for building materials manufacturers seeking to add digital capabilities to analogue products.

Matt Johnson, LAIIER chief executive, said, “We’re very excited to be working with OKdo as an exclusive manufacturing and distribution partner. Over £1B is paid out annually on water leak claims in the UK alone. In the US, 40% of total commercial insurers’ annual claims are related to water leak damage and the talented team here at LAIIER has created a solution that reduces that in a precise, cost-effective and scalable way.”  

Rich Curtin, Co-Founder and CTO of OKdo, said, “Here at OKdo, we’re focused on conquering the smart world with smart solutions for our customers and the partnership with LAIIER is just another example of how we’re doing that. We have robust manufacturing and distribution capabilities and are always looking to support businesses that are working to design a better world.”