2022 Status of XR Under Construction (AEC)

The architecture, engineering, and construction industry has quickly become one of the sectors adopting XR technology. Even before augmented reality began to emerge as a mainstream technology, the AEC brand invested in early tools for product conception and development.

After all, the ability to visualize and plan products on a three-dimensional scale is critical for construction brands. The XR environment enables companies in the AEC space to more easily collaborate on virtual blueprints and digital twins without wasting critical resources. Additionally, AR and MR solutions improve collaboration in hazardous environments.

By 2018, some 94% of construction companies were already familiar with AR/VR solutions, according to some studies. Here’s an insight into how augmented reality innovation is changing the future of construction companies.

The Potential of XR in Construction (AEC)

For decades, construction companies have used a variety of digital tools to pre-visualize and plan projects. Software solutions enable architects, contractors, and owners to determine what a project will look like before construction begins. However, these tools have limitations. The rise of augmented reality has created an unprecedented opportunity for AEC leaders to tackle their projects.

Using MR, AR, and VR solutions, companies in the AEC space can improve employee safety, foster workplace collaboration, and create inclusive environments for planning and development. Some of the most important use cases for XR in construction include:

• Project plan: Virtual reality environments give companies the freedom to develop their own digital twins of their projects in a digital environment without wasting resources or time. Staff members can collaborate with colleagues around the world and even share plans with investors before projects begin. With AR and MR solutions, companies can also overlay a section of his 3D model onto the visual site.
• collaboration: Design collaboration and review no longer need to take place in a physical office. View the same 3D model for design reviews from anywhere in the world. This is also a great way for specialists to dive into the project and provide feedback before the builders start working. Additionally, MR and AR tools allow specialists to provide feedback to construction professionals as they work using real-time video streams and annotations.
• On-site coordination and guidance: Companies are beginning to use VR environments in the pre-construction phase to improve coordination of materials, equipment, and people in different environments. The right technology will also enable real-time installation guidance in the form of holographic images via MR and AR smart glasses. In one case, when a crew member used her HoloLens headset during construction, it saved about 40% of their average work time.
• Safety education: The AEC environment can be a dangerous place for employees without proper training. Luckily, VR solutions allow workers to be trained on best practices before starting complex assembly on site. An app was developed and released by the American Association of Safety Professionals to provide insight into how construction workers can maintain fall safety strategies in the workplace.
• Attractive Talents: Construction companies in the AEC sector are using XR technology as a way to attract new talent. Access to the latest solutions for visualization and safer workplace practices will attract a wider workforce to the low-skills environment. By providing her with the right XR tools, companies can more quickly onboard and train the employees they bring into the field.

Trends Driving XR for Construction (AEC)

AEC companies have been investing in XR solutions long before many other industries began exploring the benefits of this technology. But the environment is constantly evolving, creating new opportunities for innovators all the time.

Key trends impacting the implementation of XR in the AEC landscape include:

• AR smart glasses: Augmented and mixed reality smart glasses are becoming more common on construction sites. These headsets allow multiple people to collaborate on a project even if he’s the only one on site. The right solution empowers professionals to build projects according to the guidance provided by holographic imagery, reducing the risk of mistakes.
• Remote operation: Combined with artificial intelligence and IoT solutions, XR technology also has the potential to enable employees to operate machines from a distance. This is a great advantage for health and safety purposes. Operators no longer need to operate heavy equipment directly, but can instead work on projects in real-time from any environment with a headset and internet connection.
• 5G connectivity: The rise of 5G solutions will be of great benefit to the construction industry as it will allow mobile headsets and devices to be used everywhere. Her 5G connectivity built into headsets and technology enables business users to collaborate with colleagues and easily access high-fidelity images of project plans.
• Fusion of AI and XR: The connectivity between XR and artificial intelligence tools has grown consistently in recent years. For those in the AEC environment, AI solutions built into XR solutions can help plan new strategies for how projects are built, or gain real-time predictive insights on how to run sites more effectively. may be easier.
• Metaverse and NFT environments: Most people are familiar with the virtual home tours offered by today’s real estate agencies. In the construction industry, similar technology can be used to provide Metaverse investors with insight into upcoming projects. In the years to come, we may even have the opportunity to build “NFTs” of specific projects to take ownership in the digital world.

Exploring the Future of XR in Construction (AEC)

As an ever-evolving mobile innovation landscape, the construction industry represents a golden opportunity for augmented reality innovation. Already many of the world’s leading construction companies have begun implementing their own versions of his VR, AR and MR technology, opening up new opportunities for workers.

The right technology can not only increase collaboration and efficiency, but also reduce risks associated with the built environment and attract the attention of new investors.