The Future is Now: P1 Group VDC Takes Technology to the Next Level with Mixed Reality Trimble
When planning construction installation, what if you could put plans into context, seeing the full design intent on your project, by overlaying the BIM model directly over the real environment, while you鈥檙e actually navigating the environment?
That鈥檚 the crux of mixed reality, the technology driving the latest acquisition of our Virtual Design & Construction (VDC) department: the Trimble XR10.
P1 VDC is always investing in the latest technology to improve accuracy and efficiency.
According to VDC Specialist Richard Anderson, it鈥檚 the best hybrid reality product on the market today, exceeding the value of both virtual and augmented reality products, neither of which allow the full immersive experience.
鈥淭he differentiating characteristic of mixed reality is that the synthetic content and the real-world content are able to react to each other in real time,鈥� Richard explained.
鈥淲e are able to see the design intent on our jobsites using the holograms,鈥� he said. 鈥淭he HoloLens is compatible with an industry standard hard hat, and certified for use in safety controlled environments. You can also wear safety glasses with the hat."
Richard also notes you鈥檙e doing the work using a nearly seamless combination of your own senses combined with the XR10 technology.
鈥淚t has seven cameras for head tracking, eye tracking, and for capturing photo and video,鈥� Richard said. 鈥淭he microphone, which takes voice commands, is a bone-conductive headset for audio in noisy environments.鈥�
The ultimate goal is to improve prefabrication efficiency and ensure quality installation, in many cases reducing project costs. Key features that contribute to this include:
Pre-Construction Visualization
Perform on-site walk-throughs at 1:1 scale, to visualize work
Remote Assist + Virtual Site Walks
Ride along with colleagues on virtual site walks from home or office. Off-site personnel can see the model overlaid on the actual site directly from their computer screen.
Clash Detection and Coordination
- Pre-check installation plans with the current on-site conditions to identify potential clashes.
- Ensure fit of prefabricated parts before sending orders to manufacturers.
3D Task Management
Tag issues onsite directly within the headset, with the ability to add photos and notes to office staff.
Install Verification + QA/QC
Verify installation by comparing digital plan to as-built.
We can鈥檛 wait to see it in action when VDC gets the Trimble XR10 out in the field. Stay tuned!
