In the field of AI, few innovations have had such a huge impact on human lives as the groundbreaking project led by Daulet Yermanov. With his expertise in AI and machine learning, Yermanov has transformed tenant safety standards in the housing sector through the development of the Silent Tenant product at Platform Housing Group. It is a predictive tool designed to safeguard vulnerable renters.
An Idea Born from Tragedy
Silent Tenant emerged in 2023 as a response to a disturbing incident known as the “Peabody incident,” where a woman named Sheila Seleoane was found deceased in her London apartment over 2 and a half years after her passing. This tragedy exposed serious gaps in tenant welfare monitoring and highlighted the urgent need for proactive safety measures in housing associations. Daulet Yermanov, with his deep understanding of AI, envisioned a product that could prevent such tragic occurrences by identifying tenants at risk.
Yermanov’s aim was clear: to develop a predictive AI tool capable of identifying silent tenants, individuals who show unusual inactivity or lack of communication, potentially signaling health issues or emergencies. The result was Silent Tenant, an innovative AI-driven system that has already saved lives by providing an early warning system for those in need.
Building a Lifesaving Technology
The development of Silent Tenant was no small feat. Yermanov took on multiple roles, from conceptualising the project and defining its scope to convincing the top management of Platform Housing Group of the value of implementing AI. His technical expertise was crucial in every phase, particularly in deploying the model using Azure Machine Learning Studio and integrating it with existing systems at Platform Housing Group.
Collaboration was a key aspect of the project’s success. Yermanov worked alongside various departments, including the Chief Operating Officer, lead engineers, business analysts, and senior management. His ability to bridge communication across departments ensured a smooth project rollout. Without his technical insights and project management skills, this pioneering tool might have remained unrealised.
Why Silent Tenant Is Considered Innovative
Silent Tenant is the first AI model of its kind in the UK, setting a new benchmark for tenant safety in the housing sector. The project uses the power of AI to predict and mitigate risks proactively, a novel approach in an industry where such technologies were previously underutilised. At the time of its launch, there were no direct alternatives on the market, cementing its status as a groundbreaking offering.
Overcoming Challenges and Gaining Recognition
Of course, developing Silent Tenant was not without challenges. Yermanov had to work with data from approximately 100,000 tenants, including over 10 million data points. One of the most complex tasks was identifying the right factors that would influence predictive accuracy. This required meticulous data cleaning, preprocessing, and feature selection to build a reliable model.
Furthermore, Platform Housing Group had no prior experience with AI models, nor did it possess the technological infrastructure to support machine learning. Yermanov’s role extended beyond development, he also educated the company on AI’s potential, conducting training sessions and presentations to foster a culture of data-driven decision-making.
The success of Silent Tenant brought significant recognition. Platform Housing Group received prestigious accolades such as the Housing Digital Innovation Awards 2024 and the Housing Technology Awards 2024. These achievements not only validated the project’s impact but also elevated Yermanov’s profile both in the UK and his native Kazakhstan, leading to his involvement in other high-impact AI projects.
The Essence of Innovation
Yermanov attributes the success of Silent Tenant to its ability to address a pressing issue in a novel way. The project did more than just implement advanced machine learning techniques, it developed an entirely new methodology for predicting the needs of silent tenants. By creating a product that filled a critical gap, Silent Tenant became a model of how technology can serve modern societal demands. Over 1000 tenants were marked as at high risk, and among them 2 deceased people were found.
Personal Growth and Career Advancement
Yermanov’s journey with Silent Tenant brought him valuable experience and knowledge. He honed his skills in developing and deploying machine learning models, specifically using Azure ML Studio. Additionally, the project leveled up his ability to work effectively across departments and manage complex projects. The success of Silent Tenant solidified his reputation as an expert in AI and machine learning, opening up new career opportunities and reinforcing his professional standing.
Setting Trends in the Housing Sector
Silent Tenant has undeniably set a trend in the housing sector. Several other housing organisations have expressed interest in adopting this AI-driven approach to tenant safety. Yermanov has personally presented the project to multiple housing associations, underscoring its influence on the industry and its potential for broader adoption.
The Future of Silent Tenant
Currently, Silent Tenant continues to operate, with regular updates to ensure its accuracy and relevance. Ongoing monitoring and improvements are driven by new data and user feedback. With the project already presented to other housing associations, plans are underway for its wider implementation, potentially transforming tenant safety standards across the sector.
Qualities of an AI Specialist
Reflecting on his experience, Yermanov says that AI specialists need a strong foundation in machine learning, data analysis, and AI model development. Analytical skills are crucial for building accurate predictive models. Additionally, managing large-scale projects and facilitating clear communication between teams are key abilities that can optimise the development process and drive successful outcomes.
In the end, Silent Tenant is more than just a technological achievement. In fact, it is a testament to how AI can be harnessed to address critical societal issues, saving lives and setting new standards for innovation. Through his work, Daulet Yermanov has not only advanced his career but also left a lasting impact on the housing sector, showcasing the transformative power of AI.