Seismocon Systems, Inc. was founded after the 2014 Napa M6.0 earthquake when no one could the simple question "Is it safe to go back inside the house after this violent shaking?"
Despite technological advancements, there was no quick method to assess building safety post-disaster. Inspired by the U.S. Geological Survey’s (USGS) statement, "Earthquakes don’t kill people, buildings do," the initial focus was aimed to create a post-earthquake alert system. Since then, the scope expanded to monitor buildings after earthquakes, hurricanes, floods, landslides, and explosions.
Today, the answer to the original question is "Yes." Seismocon advanced technology now delivers risk assessments within seconds, using an Advanced Artificial Analytic Intelligence algorithm (AAAI) to anyone in need of it. This allows you to make immediate, informed decisions following a disaster.
The Seismocon sensors and AI-powered analytics continuously monitor and assess a building's structural integrity. Its AAAI benchmarks structural conditions and monitors deviations. The system classifies structures into 600 types based on materials, age, and technology. Partnered with the Global Earthquake Model Foundation, Seismocon ensures its risk assessments are scientifically validated. After a disaster, stakeholders receive immediate updates on the building’s condition, rated as "slight," "moderate," "severe," or "collapse."
Seismocon monitors structural shifts and displacements, not natural disasters, providing real-time safety data after exposure to extreme forces. While buildings may appear intact, they are often compromised in ways that aren't visible to the naked eye. Our technology detects these hidden risks, ensuring a more accurate assessment of a building's safety. Seismocon is designed to focus on these unseen dangers.
An interesting way to understand earthquake forces is by comparing the magnitude to the energy released by a Hiroshima bomb. For example, the 6.0 magnitude Napa earthquake released energy roughly equivalent to 1 Hiroshima bomb. While structures may appear intact to the naked eye, they are often compromised. Though they may not be deemed dangerous right away, the real concern is how these structures will respond to aftershocks—whether immediately following the quake or even months or years later.
Globally, earthquakes claim an average of 50,000 lives annually, according to USGS, and the U.S. loses $150 billion per year due to natural disasters. Climate change will likely increase both human and financial losses.
Traditional post-disaster inspections, reliant on manual surveys, are slow, error-prone, and inefficient. Seismocon real-time data offers an immediate, more accurate alternative.
"Immediate Occupancy" (IE) is crucial for minimizing financial impact. Local and federal emergency management teams prioritize IE to ensure people can safely return to their homes and workplaces. Seismocon data-driven system enhances public safety by delivering precise information to these teams, enabling faster and safer re-entry. The technology will save billions of dollars by facilitating quick returns to homes and workplaces. For industries, governments, and the insurance sector, Seismocon provides vital data that prevents further damage, reduces fraud, and streamlines claim processing.
In addition, Seismocon technology also detects small, gradual deterioration of structures due to material fatigue. It doesn’t require a major natural disaster for a structure to become unsafe—this system is capable of identifying subtle weaknesses and wear over time, ensuring that even minor issues are detected early before they become significant safety hazards.
In summary, Seismocon patented technology and AI infrastructure provide critical data for preventing collapses and ensuring safer recovery from natural disasters. With customer installations already in place, Seismocon aims to secure funding for mass production and U.S. commercialization in 2025.