S16 E2: AI vs. Reality: Apples-to-Apples Results with Chris Koch

AI is everywhere in the wastewater world right now — but how much of it actually works?In this episode of the Smells Like Money Podcast, host Suzan Chin-Taylor sits down with Chris Koch, CTO and co-founder of Palin, for an honest, behind-the-scenes look at what today’s sewer inspection AI can really do.Together, they break down the hype, the limitations, and the real benefits of AI-powered defect coding. From why some tools struggle with accuracy to how Palin’s “AI + multi-human review” model delivers more reliable results, this conversation gives you a true apples-to-apples comparison of AI vs. reality.Whether you’re a contractor, municipality, engineer, or technology evaluator, this episode will help you make smarter decisions about AI-driven assessment tools — and understand where human expertise still matters most.💡 What You’ll Learn- Why some AI inspection tools fall short on accuracy- How AI handles common defects well but struggles with unusual ones- When human oversight becomes essential- How Palin’s hybrid approach improves consistency- Why U.S. sewer systems create unique challenges- Where AI is headed next in inspection and asset management- Why high-quality defect data is the base for every rehab decision💬 Key Quote“Accuracy matters. If the defect data isn’t right, everything downstream is wrong.”🔗 Resources👉 Try Palin’s free AI test: palin.com👉 Connect with Suzan: creativeraven.com👉 More podcast episodes: creativeraven.com/smells-like-money-podcast👤 About the Guest – Chris KochCo-Founder, Pallon (Switzerland)Email: [email protected]: linkedin.com/in/christiankoch3/Website: pallon.comI hope you find this episode as informative and as exciting as we have.Please let us know your thoughts about the episode!Connect with Suzan Chin-Taylor, host of The DooDoo Diva's Smells Like Money Podcast:Website: www.creativeraven.com | https://thetuitgroup.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/creativeraven/Email: [email protected] Telephone: +1 760-217-8010Listen and subscribe here to your favorite platform:Apple Podcast - Google Podcast - Cast Box - Overcast - Pocket Casts - YouTube - Spotifyhttps://creativeraven.com/smells-like-money-podcast/ Subscribe to the Podcast:https://creativeraven.com/smells-like-money-podcast/Be a guest on our show:https://calendly.com/thetuitgroup/be-a-podcast-guestCheck Out my NEW Digital Marketing E-Course & Coaching Program just for Wastewater Pros:https://store.thetuitgroup.com/diy-digital-marketing-playbook-for-wastewater-pros#SmellsLikeMoneyPodcast #WastewaterIndustry #SewerInspection #AIForInfrastructure #PipelineInspection #ChrisKoch #PalinAI #DigitalTransformation #WaterIndustryTech #AssetManagement #CivilInfrastructure #DataAnalysis #EngineeringTech #AIvsReality #KeepItFlowing