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The construction industry is considered one of the least digitalized industries in the modern age. However, more companies are now realizing the importance of augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) technologies for construction and creating software & hardware that makes it accessible. With the help of using these digital technologies, companies can save a lot of time and money by allowing users to experience a space before transforming it digitally.
Initially, AR and VR technologies were used in customer sales and marketing to enable customers to train personnel in VR and visualize and configure heavy equipment. Later they are used in the entire product life cycle, such as design and engineering, operations, maintenance and repair, training, and customer sales. After the pandemic, AR and VR were used as a medium to ensure business continuity with increased productivity and efficiency. For instance, engineers working from home can collaborate in VR to carry out the design and engineering work, train technicians remotely, allow customers to visualize and configure construction vehicles, use AR to repair and maintain equipment, and assist the engineers in operation.
Effective Planning: Construction companies require efficient communication among different teams to carry out a project per schedule. Augmented and virtual reality can bridge the communication gap between different teams carrying out the project. For instance, AR headsets can send site data recorded by site supervisors or engineers to the design team for clarification. A construction manager or contractor can walk through a site virtually using AR technology to compare building information and physical models and review project documentation. AR and VR apps are also used in the conceptualization phase, where architects and designers can utilize this technology to provide a 3D model of the project instead of a 2D model. This helps the engineers working on-site to have a clear understanding of the project and eliminates the need for a blueprint all the time.
Improving Safety Standards: The construction industry is one of the leading sectors in total worker deaths across the globe. Usage of AR and VR can greatly improve safety standards on the construction site. To create awareness, AR and VR can provide training to workers without physically subjecting them to safety hazards. VR can create advanced computer simulations similar to real-life situations to create an amazingly convincing environment. Workers can also get trained to use heavy equipment and handling tools without exposing them to the risk of injuries.
Immersive Experience: AR and VR technologies can bring an immersive experience to the buyers and also helps in the marketing and sales of the company. Buyers can access an apartment's fully furnished 3D model using AR and VR technologies. Augmented reality provides an overlay of the furnished apartment during the construction phase, whereas VR can provide a complete tour of the furnished apartment in the comforts of our homes. Potential buyers can get a clear idea of what the final apartment will look like and decide their purchase. In addition, interior designers can leverage these technologies to pitch ideas to their clients by giving them a better understanding of the design idea.
Net Zero 2050 targets to mitigate the climate crisis are captivating the focus of construction professionals worldwide. Changes in deep-rooted traditional processes coupled with digital innovations will help to make this low-carbon transition as simple as possible. Digital technologies are improving construction by increasing operation precision and accuracy, enabling contractors to build with exact specifications and validate their work in real-time by reducing waste. Technologies such as Engineering-Grade AR can eliminate errors, reduce costs associated with rework, and reduce unnecessary waste by maintaining project schedules on track. Augmented reality can help minimize material usage and save project time and money, boosting construction's sustainability. As rework can contribute up to five percent of all CO2 emissions in construction, eliminating or reducing the rework process can result in a significant step towards carbon neutrality.
Major construction companies have already started using AR and VR technologies in construction planning to assist the workers and supervisors in construction activities at the site. Recent developments of AR and VR technologies in construction companies are:
By using AR and VR, companies are making unprecedented leaps in operational excellence to gain a competitive advantage. In addition to the numerous advantages of AR and VR in the construction industry, there are a few associated challenges, including a lack of resources allocated to IT and a lack of knowledge & training. To combat these challenges, many startups are actively involved in securing funds to expand their AR and VR technologies to more markets and educate construction workers about their advantages.
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