We’re common-sense people in a down-to-earth industry. Nothing is more “real” than working with your hands. But instead of using hands-on building tools, we need to embrace hands-on building device technology. The realities of your construction business are going to be driven by AR and VR.
AR and VR in Construction Business Projects
AR is augmented reality and VR is virtual reality. These terms are used with other types of realities, and here are the differences:
- AR – Augmented reality uses the camera on your smartphone to add digital elements to a live view.
- MR – Mixed reality combines AR and VR.
- VR – Virtual reality takes you out of the physical world and into a simulated environment where you can ride a dragon or swim with sharks.
- XR – Extended reality covers all the technologies that provide information, real-world or virtual.
These technologies will never take the place of solid architectural designs and quality workmanship. But their value-added can make a huge difference in how we operate.
Real-World Uses: AR and VR
Here are 3 examples of using AR and VR to transform difficult-to-imagine construction business designs and visions.
- Communication – Construction business poor communication is cited too often as the cause of project failures. “But miscommunication can launch a project into a tailspin,” says Unity Technologies. With about $177.5 billion spent every year fixing construction mistakes, any opportunity for improvement is welcome.
A meeting can use AR and VR to take everyone to the site. Everyone can see and understand how what you’re explaining will be realized in real life. Project team members can collaborate to solve potential problems they see rather than imagine. One meeting attendee said, “Watching team members tweak the design and take notes on it in real-time was incredible.” - Designs – When a design company hit a “wall” trying to explain how its skyscraper could enhance – not ruin – a skyline view, the company used AR. They created a prototype using 3D modeling and geolocating. They took the client on virtual walks to show how the building would look when completed.
- Training – Finding talent is challenging enough. Training and retaining workers is a whole different ballgame. AR and VR can give onboarding workers real-jobsite experiences in a safe, controlled environment. They can learn about construction business hazards and how to manage risk.
We share technology every week with construction businesses throughout the U.S. and globally. Call 800.925.6085 (International/435.586.1205) or contact Construction Monitor. Our goal is to increase your business. What’s your goal?
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*Construction Monitor does not endorse nor recommend any software brand (except ours) for construction technology applications.