The Power of Augmented Reality in Construction

Augmented reality (AR) is coming up fast, and in the past few years alone, we’ve seen just how versatile it can be, regardless of the industry. From gaming to entertainment and beyond, there are several examples of how beneficial it can be.

In fact, over the past few years, the AR market has experienced a 77% compound annual growth rate.

Online shoppers can now use AR in the retail sector to see how big purchase items like kitchen appliances or bedroom furniture would look in their houses before committing.

In the healthcare industry, strides in AR are even more significant. Medical professionals can use it to visualize organs and simulate medical procedures. 

Then, of course, we have the construction industry, where augmented reality is making a massive impact. By leveraging AR effectively, construction professionals can increase project success rates, foster collaboration, and increase safety measures.

However, to harness the full potential of augmented reality in construction, it’s important to have a comprehensive understanding of its capabilities and how we can apply it in our specific lines of work. In this guide, we’ll delve into the current role of AR in construction and what we can expect from the future.

But first…

What Is Augmented Reality?

Let’s start with the basics.

Augmented reality, commonly known as AR, is a technology that provides an immersive experience, integrating computer-generated objects into a user’s actual surroundings. 

This cutting-edge technology relies on a mixture of digital and physical hardware, including mobile apps, headsets, and other smart devices, which are used to juxtapose digital elements seamlessly into the real world.

How Does Augmented Reality Relate to Construction?

AR technology has plenty of potential in the construction world, whether you’re looking for optimal collaboration, enhanced safety, or better productivity. Here are some of the ways augmented reality has been used in construction over the past few years:

Design Visualization

With AR, you can see construction designs in real-world environments, which is hugely beneficial, whether you’re on the architect, engineer, or client side. Overlaying 3D models onto a physical space can provide a better understanding of how a project will look relevant to its surroundings.

On-Site Navigation

Your workers can use AR-integrated tablets or smart glasses as guides for construction sites, taking advantage of real-time data and visual instructions relevant to their surroundings. Whether they need help finding something or need more information regarding safety protocols, there are numerous ways in which this feature can be beneficial.

Construction Planning and Simulation

Companies can use AR to simulate the construction process, identifying potential conflicts or hazards along the way. Being able to assess the feasibility of your approach before diving into the actual work can save plenty of time and money.

Equipment Maintenance and Training

AR can assist workers with maintenance and troubleshooting using visual step-by-step instructions. For new workers that require training, it can be a handy visual learning tool. Not only has AR been known to cut the learning curve, but it’s also great for optimizing safety.

Quality Control and Inspection

AR can also assist in quality control and inspection processes by overlaying design specifications onto the actual construction site, helping inspectors identify discrepancies and deviations more effectively.

Client Presentations and Marketing

When it comes to client presentations, AR can showcase projects in an immersive way, allowing clients to virtually walk through buildings or developments before they are constructed, so they can make better decisions regarding marketing efforts.

Remote Collaboration

Perhaps one of the most efficient benefits is the fact that AR technology allows experts from different locations to collaborate in real-time on construction projects. Two groups in completely separate locations can view the same augmented environment simultaneously and make joint decisions without needing to be physically present on-site.

Safety Training

Many modern companies use AR for safety training programs, simulating hazardous scenarios and allowing workers to practice safety protocols without exposing them to real dangers.

What Can We Expect for the Future of Augmented Reality and Construction?

The construction industry is already witnessing the promising future of AR with the greater availability of relevant technologies. In fact, several firms are actively experimenting and improving AR initiatives.

The most innovative players are taking it a step further by embracing mixed reality (MR), which combines augmented reality and virtual reality (VR), so users can experience virtual content while remaining fully aware of their physical surroundings. 

Overall, you get a more balanced and immersive experience.

MR in the construction industry does wonders for collaboration among stakeholders, too, as they can collectively explore virtual models or sites in the same room while maintaining real-world interaction. 

On construction sites, however, mixed reality can be used to assist workers with repairs or installations, overlaying instructions onto the objects they are working on to offer valuable guidance.

In Its Infant Years

While the future of augmented reality in construction appears promising, it is important to acknowledge that the industry is still in its early stages of adoption. 

In terms of adopting these technologies, the construction industry lags behind other sectors like retail and healthcare

Even so, people are optimistic, as the research indicates a shift towards greater adoption over the next decade.

The wider adoption of AR will hinge on two key factors — the maturation of AR technology and the willingness of construction professionals to embrace it. The progress in both of these areas is evident. The pandemic already pushed construction firms to embrace digital solutions and remote work, setting the stage for further industry disruption. 

At the same time, companies are continually enhancing these new technologies with more ergonomic hardware, more efficient, user-friendly apps, and better construction software integration.

As these advancements continue, the adoption of AR in the construction world will inevitably grow.

Embracing AR: The Timely Call for Construction Professionals

As augmented reality gains momentum, we here at Advantage Drafting have no doubt that it’ll play a significant role in the construction industry in the coming years, similar to the way technologies like smart windows and 3D printing have. 

If you haven’t already integrated this technology into your projects, it’s time to start exploring the potential. Our team of experts aspires to stay at the forefront of the industry, so if you’re looking to collaborate with a forward-thinking company for your next project, request a free quote from us today!