The construction industry is a labour-driven industry that has only recently opened its eyes to the advancement in technology. It is just in the past decade that this industry has witnessed dramatic changes with the introduction and integration of technology in planning, execution, and management. But now with Augmented Reality making its way, the future of the construction industry is sealed to be safer, smoother and more efficient!

What is Augmented Reality?

Augmented reality is an interactive version of the real world that is achieved through visual elements and sensory stimuli. Augmented reality has been a roaring success in different industries and is all set to make waves in the construction industry. From improving site safety to enhancing efficiency, Augmented Reality is the future!

Benefits of Augmented Reality in construction industry

• Increased Efficiency

  Augmented Reality provides a virtual detour of the plan that helps in identifying faults with accuracy and precision and saves costly mistakes. BIM identifies design clashes and constructability issues, thus saving the costs of rework. It also helps in adjusting the construction schedules and tracking real-time progress.

• Improved collaboration and management

  Construction involves multiple stakeholders who need to be on the same page. Augmented reality can streamline collaboration in a remote environment. It helps the team meet to share 3D images and videos of the physical site. This helps the team to spot problems, brainstorm ideas, solve misunderstandings and strengthen coordination while cutting down the hassles of communication delays.

• Resource optimization and Cost Saving

  Monitoring expenses is a critical job in the construction industry. Augmented reality can help in optimizing resource utilization and assist in significant cost-saving by increasing labour productivity and improving safety. The real-time progress tracking further aids in improving efficiency.

Augmented Reality in the construction industry

Augmented reality has been a gamechanger in several industries including retail, education, and healthcare. Here is how augmented reality can transform the future of the construction industry.

• Better Planning and Presentations

  Augmented reality helps in creating a detailed plan with 3D models and virtual tours. This helps in getting a better understanding of the project, its environmental impact, sustainability, and other important aspects even before its built. Augmented reality also helps in determining the strength of different materials, visualizing the effects of any changes in real-time, minimizing project risks, and optimizing resource use!

• Enhanced site safety

  Augmented reality can be instrumental in improving safety on the site. From imparting virtual training to the workers to ensuring accuracy through BIM models, Augmented reality can definitely alleviate the risks involved in construction work. This is especially helpful in the case of underground construction or sky-scraper constructions.

• Virtual training

  Augmented reality can play a crucial role in upskilling the crew, as it helps trainers provide demos on how to use complex equipment or heavy machinery in a controlled virtual environment. This means trainees can see, learn and even practice operating these tools before stepping into physical training. This can considerably reduce the training costs and risks of injury during training.

• Achieving detailed accuracy

  Augmented reality helps in acquiring precise and accurate measurements that cut down the risks of costly mistakes. This also helps the team to quickly mend any faults in the measurement, architectural inconsistencies, and avoid high-cost reconstructions. Thus, ensuring fewer reworks and delays.

Bottomline

With many construction companies already embracing the use of Augmented Reality, the future of the construction industry is already here. However, it is important to remember that the construction industry is still a novice when it comes to technology. Researchers are optimistic and predict a strong influence of technology in the near future.