Augmented Reality (AR) is proving to be beneficial and useful beyond the principality of entertainment and gaming. The construction industry has found it has proven its value. Different brands are adopting augmented reality to increase the value of shopping online as it will allow shoppers to experience what an item is, such as a piece of furniture or a specific appliance. They can use augmented reality to see exactly how such pieces would look in their environment.

The healthcare industry is also finding augmented reality beneficial to stimulate procedures or visualize organs. A surgeon can use augmented reality to show 3D representations of their patient’s anatomy that will allow them to improve outcomes and accuracy. Many industries are now adopting this technology, including the construction industry.

Augmented Reality and Its Use in Construction Industry

When implemented properly, augmented reality can help you collaborate with team members, improve your safety on the site, and win more bids on projects. To properly use this system in the construction industry, you will need a solid understanding of the technology’s capabilities, such as those of Construction Technology Partners (CTP.)

When used in construction properly it can apply from the planning of your projects to how you communicate with all team members. This technology brings computer-generated objects into your physical environment. Augmented reality is powered by mobile apps, headsets, and other smart devices. These devices superimpose digital objects into your world for effective visualization of what can happen and how projects will appear on completion. 

What is Augmented Reality and How Does it Benefit the Construction Industry?

AR (augmented reality) is technological innovation. The use of this system will incorporate virtual elements into your actual surroundings. It has revolutionized how construction architects, designers, engineers, and service providers can present their ideas and works.

This technology makes it possible to take virtual architectural designs and combine them with the physical reality of your job site. Using augmented reality will increase your accuracy as it reduces errors related to resources, money, and how you manage time. These are some of the top applications of augmented reality that can improve the construction industry.

  • Accurate Measurements- AR wearables and gear are able to measure a space’s physical elements. These elements include width, height, and depth. If you incorporate BIM with AR, you can use models to determine the comprehensive view and dimensions accurately. These views will show you how the project will appear at completion. It will also allow you to determine materials needed and the number of labor hours it will take along with the accurate measurements.
  • Inspection and Safety– The inspection process on construction sites can be compared and aligned as built structures against the BIM model. Inspectors are able to capture pictures when needed or retrieve notes from various location sites. This technology gives inspectors the ability to recognize complicated areas, and any serious concerns instantly to share and correct. The challenge of safety on the site becomes easier to manage with augmented reality and the use of wearables like smart glasses. Smart glasses transform operation on the job site to help inspectors save money, time, and improve safety. 
  • Augmented Reality Provides Direct Training Instructions– The construction industry requires a lot of training with all the machinery needed in the building process. Augmented reality headsets allow your workers to receive direct training instructions so they can perform their job accordingly. These headsets reduce your training costs and the downtime needed to train employees as the instructions are intuitive.

There are several other augmented reality applications to use that will allow you to reduce errors in your projects, as well as manage resources, money, and time on your jobs. To learn more about how this technology can benefit your job site, contact Construction Technology Partners (CTP.)