6 Ways AR and VR Will Rule Construction in 2022
Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR, for short) have both found their way into the gaming and entertainment industries in recent years. However, this is not the only sector in which these technologies are gaining popularity; the construction industry is increasingly turning to AR and VR in a wide range of application areas.
Both of these technologies have an extremely wide range of applications. These include sophisticated training simulators that mirror the circumstances and physics of the actual world; heads-up displays that enable owners and supervisors to do virtual site walks; and the generation of highly realistic, interactive 3D models of construction projects. Although the limits imposed because of the epidemic have provided a quick boost to the technology, the surge in usage shows no signs of slowing down, even if new software and hardware are continually being released. Companies have benefited from the introduction of each new tool by seeing increases in efficiency, accuracy, and safety.
Here are six applications of virtual reality and augmented reality (VR/AR) in construction that we expect to see more of in the next year.
Training
Many construction tasks include heavy equipment, which may be hazardous if not properly trained. The apparent catch-22 here is that trainees need to obtain expertise utilizing the equipment, yet training them on actual equipment is either impracticable or risky. Because there is such little room for mistakes in many circumstances that occur in the real world, personnel should familiarise themselves with the controls and operations in a safe setting.
This is where virtual reality training simulators come into play. These simulators, whether sitting at a bank of monitors or wearing virtual reality goggles, enable new employees to gain a feel for the technology they'll be working on every day in a safe, highly regulated environment.
Remote Servicing
AR allows employees to communicate what they see with an off-site expert, thereby enabling the experts to be in different locations at the same time. Workers in the field may obtain live instruction from technicians who are better suited to spot issues when they can peer through the worker's eyes by wearing a headset or a pair of augmented reality goggles.
Thanks to contemporary technology, it can all be done without a site visit (or, in the event of a very difficult problem, numerous site visits), saving businesses time and lowering the possibility of mistakes. In many circumstances, a worker understands how to remedy a problem but needs assistance in determining precisely where the change is required. AR ensures that a more experienced specialist is always available for a job, no matter where they are in the actual world.
Design
Architects and designers are two building vocations that are ideal for VR and AR. In contrast to 2D representations, VR enables these specialists to experience a project in an immersive virtual world before the building is built. Architects and designers may gain a greater feel of how their idea comes to life by virtually "stepping" within a digital model of a finished structure, enabling them to discover possible problems before they become a problem.
Similarly, VR is being utilized in the bidding process, enabling businesses to showcase their ideas in a far more attractive manner. Stakeholders may even take virtual guided tours of the area they're commissioning after it's completed.
Socially Distant Workplaces
Nobody knows how long social separation and requirements restricting on-site employees will continue. Companies have already started adopting virtual reality into their operations to maintain project continuity while building continues. A supervisor or inspector may "walk" a real-world project site from hundreds of miles away using VR technology and 3D cameras. They just need a mobile device. This allows inspectors to cover a lot more terrain in a lot less time, ensuring employers aren't left in the dark about urgent concerns without needing additional workers on a construction site.
Attracting New Talent
The skilled labor shortage in construction is well-documented. Veteran employees in the business are retiring at a quicker rate than fresh workers are stepping forward to replace them. With new technologies, the sector hopes to attract digitally native young employees. Because today's youth were almost born with a smart gadget in their hands, they are more at ease with modern technology than prior generations.
Incorporating virtual reality and augmented reality into training and real-world construction work might help attract younger people, who are naturally attracted to high-tech professions.
Collaboration through the Internet
With meetings put on pause for the foreseeable future owing to pandemic-related safety concerns, businesses have looked for new methods to collaborate that do not need everyone engaged to be in the same room.
Workers can use their mobile devices or desktop computer to access the platform, and they may examine project drawings and site plans using a VR headset. This allows teams to use their combined imagination to identify and handle possible problems in a simulated environment.
Takeaway
Although face-to-face meetings may not be coming back anytime soon, the construction business continues to be a highly collaborative one. In order for work to go according to plan, it often requires consensus from a wide variety of different stakeholder groups. Nothing of this would have been attainable without the use of virtual reality and augmented reality.
Augmented reality in the construction industry has the potential to successfully simplify the whole life cycle of a project by doing anything from removing mistakes to providing insight. Companies who have made investments in this pioneering technology, such as HardHat Constructions, are now reaping the rewards of those investments, and the sector as a whole can no longer ignore the cutting-edge trend that this technology represents.
Do not be hesitant to get in touch with us at HardHat Real Estate if you require assistance with any kind of construction work that involves the use of VR and AR. We are available around the clock to answer any and all questions you may have regarding the application of this cutting-edge and forward-thinking technology.