Augmented reality (AR) is a type of technology that provides utility by adding digital images and information to a user’s view of the real world. You can access AR through common digital devices like smartphones and tablets as well as through dedicated AR devices like headsets.
Because augmented reality has the ability to enhance the way people experience environments, the technology has many practical applications across industries, from healthcare to education. In the construction industry, augmented reality is still in the early stages of adoption. As a result, you may wonder why your construction firm should consider implementing this technology. The answer lies in the many advantages AR can provide.
To help you decide whether early adoption is right for your company, here are four benefits of augmented reality in construction.
1. Effective Project Planning
Integrating AR technology with design and modeling software like SketchUp and AutoCAD allows construction companies to plan projects more effectively. Once designs are completed, team members can walk through the plans on-site using AR. During such a walk-through, workers can finalize logistics and easily identify problems that need to be corrected before construction starts. By making the plans easy to visualize before construction starts, AR technology can effectively reduce the need for rework.
In addition, using AR during the planning stage can reduce the likelihood late-stage redesigns will be required, since showing a client a design in AR will help them visualize the finished building realistically. If a client has a problem with something in the digital environment, they can request a change before the construction crew breaks ground, saving you time and money.
2. Accurate and Efficient Building
Augmented reality allows workers to easily compare the reality of a building or component to design specifications. For example, AR technology could allow them to take automatic measurements and compare them with a model without looking away from the part of the building in question.
By bringing specifications to the exact place they’re needed, AR can result in fewer mistakes, reduced materials waste and greater overall efficiency in the building process.
3. Simplified Communication
Working on a construction project requires constant communication. However, the various parties working on a project cannot be present at the worksite all the time. If a problem arises, teams working on-site and off-site still need to work together.
AR simplifies communication between teams by making discrepancies visual and easy to record. If a worker notices a problem with design specifications, for example, they can record what they’re seeing and send it to a designer for clarification. Similarly, if a remote worker needs to change the building plans, they can almost instantly update the model that on-site workers see.
4. Increased Worker Safety
AR can also benefit construction companies by creating a safer work environment. You might use AR to train employees on equipment safety policies through realistic interaction in a safe environment, indicate potential safety hazards in digital AR models or even display safety reminders for workers entering certain areas of a worksite.
Learn More About Applying AR to Your Operations
It’s clear that augmented reality offers many industry benefits. As AR technology improves and becomes even more affordable, the benefits of augmented reality in construction are only likely to increase.
If you’re interested in applying AR to your operations, get in touch with BuildingPoint Southeast today. We’d be happy to help you get started with this exciting technology.