Boyshops could soon benefit from faster, smarter repair processes thanks to a new artificial intelligence (AI) system being developed by the University of Portsmouth and accident repair group ABL 1 Touch.
The system will quickly pinpoint vehicle damage after collisions and automatically schedule repairs, combining engineers’ expertise with machine learning and computer vision.
Over the next three years, the project, which is backed with £560,000 through Innovate UK’s Knowledge Transfer Partnership programme, will help ABL 1 Touch boost efficiency, expand service capacity, and set new industry benchmarks.
Professor Mohammed Bader, leading the project at the University of Portsmouth’s AI and Data Science Centre (PAiDS), said: “This project will combine machine learning and computer vision to develop AI-powered systems that bring together engineers’ practical expertise with cutting-edge technology.”
The initiative is designed to enhance operational efficiency, expand service delivery, and provide ABL 1 Touch with a competitive edge in an industry handling millions of insurance claims annually.
According to the Association of British Insurers, 2.4 million motor insurance claims were processed in 2024, with payouts reaching a record £11.7 billion, 17% higher than the previous year.
Graham Roberts, Chief Commercial Officer at ABL 1 Touch, highlighted the need for innovative solutions in today’s fast-paced repair environment: “We work in a fast-paced industry with substantially varying vehicle damage types from many sources.
“It’s paramount that we find new ways to identify, prioritise, and schedule work efficiently, removing single-person dependencies and leveraging mass data learning protocols.”
Why it Matters
The UK vehicle repair sector is under increasing pressure to deliver faster, more efficient service, especially with insurance claims rising, 2.4 million in 2024 alone, with payouts of £11.7 billion. Projects like the AI-powered system being developed by the University of Portsmouth and ABL 1 Touch show how technology can transform repair workflows.
For independent garages, this highlights a growing trend: integrating digital tools, automation, and AI to improve efficiency, reduce reliance on individual staff bottlenecks, and better manage high volumes of diverse repairs. While smaller workshops may not adopt full-scale AI systems immediately, understanding these innovations now can help garages stay competitive, future-proof their operations, and explore practical tech solutions that fit their size and workflow.
