A new online artificial intelligence system that provides an instant decision on whether a windscreen can be repaired has been launched by National Windscreens.

Windscreen repair specialist National Windscreens said the technology is a UK first and having a big impact on the customer experience.

Drivers simply upload a photo to the website and the system advises within a few seconds on whether replacement or repair can be undertaken.

This does away with the traditional approach of asking lots of questions about the size and type of damage and provides a more accurate assessment at the time of booking of what work is required.

David Pugh, National Windscreens IT director, said: "Our artificial intelligence (AI) system has been tested extensively over the past 12 months with tens of thousand of images being uploaded.

"Our tests show that the AI decisions on whether repair or replacement is required are accurate in over 98% of cases, providing the image uploaded is in line with the simple guidelines we provide."

This new development adds to the introduction last year of another digital innovation by National Windscreens - a drag and drop damage selector that dramatically cut the amount of time required for a driver to indicate the size and position of damage on a windscreen.

Mr Pugh added: "The new AI online tool takes the customer experience to a new level. Using a photograph to accurately identify if replacement is required means the online booking journey goes straight to choosing the date and location of where the customer wants the work to be carried out, with no further information required.

"Drivers are provided with a faster, more streamlined experience and National Windscreens collect damage assessment information that is far more detailed and accurate than the previous industry standard methods of asking lots of questions.

"It has been a significant investment and means we are the first in this UK sector to use AI technology in this way to improve the customer experience. Our omnichannel digital platform already provides considerable flexibility and choice but we continue to accelerate our digital development programme."