The Nearly Real Thing

Technologies such as augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) are becoming common tools in the built environment and bring a new dimension to the construction sector. But are they really being adopted at meaningful levels?

Giving construction workers access to technology such as AR will not only combat soaring resource costs but will help attract young people to construction roles noted GlobalData – a leading data and analytics company – recently. But while AR could give the industry a much-needed reinvigoration, many executives are seemingly not planning to invest.

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According to GlobalData’s report, ‘Augmented Reality (AR) in Construction’, around 55% of construction industry executives they surveyed in late 2021 intend to invest in AR within the next two years. However, the same survey reveals one third have no plans to buy into the technology. “Getting people in the right place at the right time is a constant problem in construction,” says Robert Penman, Analyst for the Thematic Research team at GlobalData. “Technology adoption will help attract the talent needed to invigorate the industry. Those that are not looking to invest will miss out on the many benefits that AR can bring, including increasing project accuracy, supporting collaborative design, and enabling stakeholder engagement. If these are to be achieved, money must be put in the hands of contractors, so they can determine the technology necessary to improve efficiency.” Exciting breakthroughs in AR and VR can allow construction teams to visualise many aspects of a building before its creation using a special helmet – who has not seen or worn the ubiquitous Oculus headset? Innovative visualisation tools allow architects to drop in various interior

MACHINE LEARNING AND BUILDING

Getting your head around the latest digital technology can be a tough ask but AI/AR/VR platforms are making many aspects of the construction industry more efficient, saving money and revolutionising how the construction industry operates and importantly how it is perceived by a new generation of workers.

• AI can prevent cost overruns by comparing project costs and predicting where future cost overruns may occur. Predictive models can show where potential errors may happen so resources can ne planned more efficiently • BIM and 3D modelling need AI for better design of buildings and take into consideration architecture, engineering, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) and how they are sequenced • AI can reduce risk and automatically assign priority to project stages for core teams and sub-contractors • Robots and AI could stop late and over budget construction projects. An AI technique called ‘reinforcement learning’ allows algorithms to learn and assess endless combinations and alternatives based on similar projects • Construction companies are using AI to plan for distribution of labour and machinery across projects – construction firms could boost productivity by as much as 50% through real-time analysis of data • Construction is awash with data. AI systems can analyse endless amount of data to learn and improve project and process flow constantly. Big Data generated from mobile devices, drone videos, smart sensors, BIM) create a huge pool of information • Building managers can employ AI in post-construction and occupancy assessments. AI can be used to monitor developing problems and offer potential solutions to prevent problems.

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elements and layouts into their design or pull in 2D drawings to build 3D models to provide an immersive design experience that accommodates important feedback early in the design process.

GlobalData notes that contractors constantly face challenges in securing people, materials, and equipment. Not only did COVID-19 lead to staff shortages due to illness, travel restrictions, and supply issues, but delays and other procurement processes inevitably drove up project costs. “The construction industry is suffering from supply chain issues and soaring resource costs,” adds Penman. “Firms have seen project expenses increase steadily in the past few years, and this is unlikely to change.” So, how can AR help combat these challenges? Well, firstly, the global AR market is exploding. Growth is expected from $9b in 2021, to $152b by 2030. Not only does this show its popularity as a product, but also its resourcefulness. Looking at the construction industry specifically, GlobalData’s report has identified several emerging AR use cases with huge potential.

AR is particularly useful during a project’s design and construction stage due to the number of different operatives and disciplines that could use these devices. AR enables building models to be positioned on-site through headsets or smart glasses, so they can be compared to the construction site. A user will easily notice errors before further work occurs, avoiding unnecessary rework and using additional expensive materials.

However, the construction industry has been suffering from thin profit margins that have undoubtedly made investing in technology difficult recently. Prices for key construction materials have been under significant upward pressure, with the recovery of construction activity in 2021 increasing demand for materials. “This is especially pressing, given that COVID-19 disruption triggered supply shortages,” says Danny Richards, Construction Analyst at GlobalData. “The fallout from the Ukraine war has exacerbated these inflationary pressures, severely impacting contractors working on fixed-price contracts. With supply disruptions likely to prevail in the coming quarters, and the ongoing challenges that contractors will face, investment in technology in the short-term could be limited.”

The more we can understand the impact of digital technology on our relationship to place and space, the better we make a real and positive difference to the actual development of our built environment. “The more complex mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) elements a project requires, the more the project will gain from AR,” says Penman. For the offsite sector in particular the use of ‘mixed realities’ where combinations of digital tools are used in the factory environment can deliver massive benefits and is worth significant investment. Quality and productivity need to be improved at many levels and one thing is for certain - Industry 4.0, the internet of things and digital developments are only going to expand in the next decade.

For more information on the GlobalData report, ‘Augmented Reality (AR) in Construction’ visit:

www.store.globaldata.com

Images:

01. The use of digital technology will only increase. Courtesy AMRC 02. McAvoy has used VR to huge success across its projects. Courtesy McAvoy Group 03. The Atom enables construction teams to view and position models hosted in BIM 360 to millimetre accuracy

THE MIGHTY ATOM

Construction technology company, XYZ Reality recently announced the official integration of its Engineering-Grade AR headset, The Atom, with Autodesk® BIM 360® , a construction management solution that is part of Autodesk Construction Cloud® , a portfolio of software and services that combines advanced technology, a builders network and predictive insights for construction teams. For the first time ever, construction project stakeholders can achieve unrivalled on-site accuracy using The Atom’s powerful AR technology. Seamless data sharing between BIM 360 and The Atom increases productivity and efficiency, whilst also allowing teams to benefit from a hybrid workflow. Combining a construction safety headset, augmented reality displays and in-built computing power, The Atom enables construction teams to view and position models hosted in BIM 360 to millimetre accuracy on-site. Construction teams can now use The Atom to create, visualise and manage issues and tasks, and instantly assign them to project stakeholders in BIM 360. Users can share rich, up-to-date details, pictures and videos linked to a precise location on-site. Crucially, design and construction teams can also create and view Issues in either BIM 360 (including in Navisworks models) or The Atom. XYZ Reality’s Engineering-Grade AR headset is already demonstrating its effectiveness in the field, with global construction companies such as PM Group, Cundall and Mace using it to reduce rework and deliver projects on time and within budget.

For more information visit: www.xyzreality.com

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