Using XR Technology
in Construction
While XR has broad application in construction, each individual technology is like any other tool in
that it has unique considerations and is best suited to certain applications. Gaining a deeper
understanding of how virtual, augmented, and mixed reality work will help clarify which technology
to choose for specific situations.
Virtual Reality (VR)
How It Works
Virtual reality got its start in the gaming industry by immersing players in
artificial worlds. Wearing special goggles that removed the real world around
them and projected a "virtual" reality instead, players became part of the
game and were able to interact and respond within it using natural gestures
and movements. VR goggles, regardless of their use in gaming or construction,
operate using the same principles. Motion sensors in the hardware detect
when the wearer turns their head. The digital image the user sees is then
updated accordingly to present the new perspective. At the same time,
handheld controls allow the user to point, interact with virtual objects, and
direct their experience.
VR Applications in Construction
Because VR provides a fully immersive experience, it's an especially effective
tool for design teams, contractors, and owners to review and approve plans
and understand sites and spaces. The VR application controls the entire
environment that the user sees, creating a uniquely detailed and dynamic
individual experience.
Some examples of how to use VR:
• Owners can fully immerse themselves in the proposed design of a
building that doesn't exist yet and see the concept take shape.
• A team member that may not be located at the jobsite but wants to
understand actual site conditions can virtually experience a scanned 3D
model of the site in the office and then be able to communicate more
effectively with employees in the field.
• Construction contractors can also use VR to train workers on specific
tasks in a safe environment, such as how to use heavy equipment or
install electrical wiring.
