What is Extended Reality in Construction?

The integration of Extended Reality (XR) into Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC) companies is transforming the way professionals collaborate and manage projects. XR enables the creation of virtual environments where teams can meet in real time to discuss and modify projects, even if they are in different locations around the globe.

Extended Reality tools facilitate this interaction, allowing 3D models to be manipulated and explored collaboratively. This not only reduces the communication barriers imposed by distance, but also enhances synchronization between teams, resulting in greater productivity and alignment.

Error detection and improved decision-making

XR gives you the ability to visualize a project in three-dimensional detail, allowing you to identify conflicts and problems early on. Errors that might go unnoticed in traditional two-dimensional plans become evident when visualized in 3D, drastically reducing the risk of costly and time-consuming rework on the construction site.

By providing total immersion in the project, Extended Reality gives stakeholders a deeper understanding of the design. This facilitates more accurate analysis, allowing decisions to be made based on a realistic perception of the project. Stakeholders can experience the space as if it were already built, which leads to faster consensus and more informed decisions.

Implementing XR can significantly speed up the design and construction process. Visualizing and modifying models in real time also allows for a more agile response to problems and changes. In addition, XR can help optimize the use of materials and resources, resulting in reduced deadlines and lower operating costs.

Application in industry

The adoption of Extended Reality is contributing to safety, logistical planning and design review prior to construction, all of which contribute to mitigating risks and achieving better results in complex projects. At the Palace of Westminster in London, XR was used to capture images of the rooms and create virtual models in real time, focusing on the building's restoration and modernization plan.

Extended Reality plays a key role in reducing errors and increasing operational efficiency. By exploiting promising technologies such as XR, the construction industry can continue to innovate and thrive in an increasingly digital and interconnected working environment.