Identifying parts missed by 2D, real-time interference checking, and data sharing are possible

On the 27th of last month, when this publication announced that Trimble, a specialist in construction 3D BIM technology, plans to introduce holographic technology to the construction industry in collaboration with Microsoft, the related article garnered high viewership. This demonstrated just how much interest readers have in virtual reality, augmented reality, and even mixed reality.

So, this time, the reporter set out to experience holographic 'mixed reality'.

I impulsively visited the BIM Innovation Conference 2017, where I could experience Microsoft's HoloLens applied to construction sites firsthand. Holographic images played on a monitor, much like a VR experience. As I put on the HoloLens, a staff member explained how to operate it while looking at the monitor. I clicked on an image and brought it to the lobby. A 'set' had been created, featuring several buildings and trees planted throughout.
 


The HoloLens is a 'computer' that weighs 579g, offers 3 hours of operation on a full charge, and supports 2GB of RAM, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth internet. Microsoft utilizes it in conjunction with applications for architecture, gaming, travel, and video calls. Trimble's 'Trimble Connect' is also one of these applications. It connects existing Trimble programs for design, sketching, and detail modification to the HoloLens via a cloud service called Trimble Connect.



At the conference, a video showcasing the introduction of Mixed Reality (MR) to construction sites (see video at the bottom of the article) was played. It depicted a scene where a desk operator on-site conversed with an engineer to identify and immediately correct rebar locations that had been overlooked during the design phase. Because tricky details missed in 2D can be visually verified, it is easier for even non-experts to understand. Furthermore, leveraging the advantages of computers for data input and transmission, even those outside the site can perform real-time interference checks and share data.

It was good to be able to experience the work firsthand, moving away from blueprint-based architecture.

Architecture experts and professionals met on-site experienced HoloLens and mentioned the advantages of MR. An architecture program developer said, “It was great to be able to directly experience the work in architecture, which is typically based on blueprints. I think it would also be good as educational content before being introduced to construction sites.” Architecture professors and students who came on the field trip expecting to learn something said, “It was interesting because it is an example suitable for future architecture.”
In response to questions regarding the commercialization of holograms in architecture, they unanimously stated, “Considering the rapidly growing VR and AR markets, MR could also be commercialized within two to three years.” On the other hand, technical shortcomings such as lag, ease of operation, image quality, and clarity were mentioned, with some adding, “If field engineers can use the system proficiently.”

What is another solution for the construction industry?

3D printers have also been presented as a solution to replace existing 2D drawings. When asked about the production time for models displayed at a 3D printer booth on one side of the conference, the response was that simple column-shaped models take about two hours, while models like foreign cathedrals take over 20 hours. Although there is the advantage of being able to physically handle the work, it is difficult to immediately incorporate modifications. An official stated, "There are more examples abroad than domestically," adding, "In the domestic construction industry, there are many students working part-time to create drawings, so drawings can be produced within two days; consequently, the 3D market has not yet become active."

What about VR, which has already entered the commercialization stage? In terms of creating a program, bringing it to a device, and 'viewing' it, MR and VR are not significantly different. While VR operates on the fundamental premise of a virtual space, there is a recent trend of its adoption in industries such as exhibitions, travel, and real estate. It involves capturing real-world spaces, reprocessing them, or bringing them into a virtual environment for playback. Furthermore, while the Oculus Rift, one of the leading VR devices, sells for $598 including the remote, Microsoft's HoloLens sells for at least $3,000. As mentioned earlier, this is why it is disappointing that the HoloLens, a 'computer,' is limited to merely retrieving information from the cloud.