Q-Bot and YHN form partnership that could benefit 360,000 properties in the North of England

21 February 2018

Your Homes Newcastle (YHN) has become the first official partner of Q-Bot, bringing its energy efficient insulation solutions to the North of England. The arms-length management organisation responsible for managing Newcastle City Counci's housing stock is diversifying its offer to include an under-floor insulation service to over 1,500 properties in the next three years, which will be installed via Q-Bot's unique process.

The partnership is a first for Q-Bot, who develop smart tools using robotics and artificial intelligence (AI) that can inspect, monitor and maintain the health of buildings. It will see YHN manage all aspects of service provision, from winning new business to installation and after care.

Insulating the floor with a layer of insulation material improves the energy efficiency of a building by reducing the heat lost to the space beneath the building and the ground, and creating a barrier to cold air entering the property.

Tina Drury, YHN's Managing Director, explains why the organisation was so keen to work with Q-Bot: "Like all social landlords, we have a requirement to improve the thermal efficiency of our homes and achieve certain SAP ratings as dictated by government. Q-Bot has been proven to be the most cost-effective retrofit measure for these types of properties per EPC point gained, after loft insulation. This is a service that many other landlords and housing providers like us will be keen to take advantage of".

Mathew Holloway, Q-Bot's CEO: "Q-Bot is excited to be working with YHN to deliver a vision of the future where robotics and AI have transformed the construction industry and empowered workers. YHN's commitment to invest in the area and improve the health of homes in the North of England meant they were the perfect partner for Q-Bot. This partnership will deliver a wide range of long lasting social and economic benefits for the local community, including the creation of rewarding and highly skilled jobs."