Top 3 Ways Augmented Reality Is Going to Change Construction

Augmented reality (AR) is constructions up and coming technology that is already making waves in the industry with companies like DAQRI and Microsoft. Because of its ability to take computer based images and overlay those images on what we see in front of us, there is huge potential for successful application and integration into the culture of construction. These are the top three ways we think AR is going to change construction:

1. Instant Relevant Access to Information

The real power behind augmented reality is its ability to give workers instant access to relevant information. Any worker at any location on the worksite can walk up to any given object/structure/etc. and acquire information instantly about it. This real-time access not only speeds up the process of construction, but it empowers and enables workers to be able to do their jobs with less standstill time.

An example would be this: a worker would be able to approach machinery such as a bulldozer. They could instantly learn who used it last, how much it was being used, its health status, what tasks it was completing and so on. The information would then help make informed decisions and come to informed conclusions. For example, does the machine need to be serviced soon to avoid breaking down on-site (which would result in wasted time)? How efficiently is the machine being used? Is the money spent on the bulldozer worth its cost in comparison to how much it’s used? Was it a good investment?

Information like this is extremely valuable and pivotal in being successful. The instant access to real-time information would cut down on wasted time, would allow owners and project leads to have much better foresight, and would help the speed of workflow.

2. Learning Capability

One of augmented reality’s biggest game changing qualities is its ability to teach any type of worker on-site, in real-time. The learning capability is huge. With AR, workers are essentially able to walk up to anything that needs building/maintenance/etc. and be able to fix it with guided instructions. They would be able to physically see (via AR’s overlay images) the step by step instructions over the objects they’re working on and be able to replicate that simulation to a tee. And, if any changes need to be made to those instructions by project leads, they can make them in real-time, and have the worker alerted as they are working, so that workflow never has to stop.

AR allows less skilled workers to perform tasks they wouldn’t be able to otherwise, and it allows more skilled workers to become even more specialized in their niche. Because of the learning capability possible with augmented reality, it tackles issues such as wasted time, late project completion dates, and inefficient/unskilled workers.

3. Richer Human Experience

One of the major problems with technology now is that it takes users out of reality and constantly focuses their attention on a screen. Augmented reality looks to break that glass wall and build a bridge between technology and the real world. AR is a big step towards making technology invisible, which therefore leads to better work ethics. Augmented reality allows users to physically interact with the world around them, letting them see the real world, but letting technology fill in the blanks in the world they’re looking at.

Workers on-site will be able to see the world, but see it with context. Project leads can know the names of each of their workers before approaching them and what they’re working on. Workers can see problems before they occur, they can learn information instantly and be able to have guided help to complete tasks. AR truly becomes a mechanism that ties the entire worksite together and makes it work symbiotically.

Augmented reality has a bright future for industrial use. And it’s a future that will bridge technology and people closer together than ever before. How do you think AR is changing construction? Tell us, we’d love to know!