Is Augmented Reality Transforming the Construction Industry?

Augmented Reality (AR) equips construction companies with powerful tools to meticulously plan projects from inception to completion. By ensuring accuracy, mitigating rework, and optimizing building costs, AR revolutionizes the construction process. The resulting precision and efficiency instill confidence in construction companies, bolster client relations, and drive long-term return on investment (ROI). Experience the transformative capabilities of AR, enhancing project outcomes, and propelling construction companies towards success.

Numbers speak for themselves.

Investment in construction technology has more than doubled to $25 million in the past decade (McKinsey). As the demand for new and cutting-edge projects continues to rise, the construction sector is embracing advanced technologies like augmented reality (AR).

The AR market is experiencing rapid growth, projected to reach a market value of $50 billion by 2024 (Global Market Insights). With increasing demands for innovative buildings, construction projects are becoming more complex than ever before.

How is augmented reality used in construction?

Project presentation

AR can layer certain details and elements onto a building plan so stakeholders can get a better understanding of the project. AR can also be used to showcase 3D models and even provide tours, giving clients a solid idea of what a building would look like before it’s built. Want to show the client what a new installation would look like on-site? AR can also bring that vision to life.

Progress Capture

 With a variety of available solutions, construction professionals can capture and monitor advancements with ease. These innovative apps utilize the AR features on your device to identify your precise location on the floorplan. By automatically capturing pictures at designated points, team members ensure consistent documentation from the same locations over time. This streamlined approach improves efficiency and accuracy in progress capture. Embrace AR to streamline your progress tracking efforts and document project advancements with precision.

Better collaboration.

AR can streamline collaboration in remote environments by letting teams share 3D images and videos with team members who aren’t on site. Thanks to augmented reality, stakeholders can view images or videos in greater detail so they can identify errors or issues without having to be in the actual building location. 

Enhanced safety.

AR technology can also improve safety on the jobsite. Some AR devices (like glasses or mobile devices) can scan tags or labels placed in specific areas or objects. These labels can then bring up text or even 3D models to communicate safety or hazard information.

Construction training

When it comes to teaching people on how to use complex equipment or heavy machinery, AR can assist educators through life-like demos, so workers can see equipment in action before heading to the site. Firms can also use augmented reality to demonstrate hazardous materials or situations without exposing team members to the real thing. 

So – What is the future of AR in Construction?

Forward-thinking pioneers are stepping into the future with the implementation of Mixed Reality (MR). By combining the best of Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR), MR allows users to immerse themselves in virtual content while remaining aware of their physical environment. It’s the perfect balance, enabling interaction with digital elements without losing connection to the real world.

MR enhances collaboration among stakeholders, offering unique opportunities for engagement. In the same room, users can explore virtual models or sites together while maintaining real-world interactions. On the jobsite, MR supports workers by overlaying instructions and information onto their tasks, improving efficiency during installations and repairs.

Experience the power of MR as it transforms collaboration, bridges physical and digital realms, and drives innovation. Embrace this groundbreaking technology to unleash new possibilities and take your industry to extraordinary heights.

The future of augmented reality in construction is going to be bright, but it’s also important to remember that we’re still in its early days. In a survey and trend analysis of AR and VR adoption, researchers found that “the AEC industry is far behind other industries such as healthcare and retail in adopting AR/VR technologies.”