The future of virtual reality in construction

You’d have to have been living under a rock for the last ten years to not notice the rise of Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR). It seems to be everywhere we look. To the point where now, we can turn our mobile devices into a VR unit and go explore what feels like another dimension.

Years ago, I was at a tradeshow in Munich, Germany, where I was drawn to an exhibition that was showcasing a VR as a tool for the trades. At the time I’d only really seen VR in the movies and I’d never heard of AR (I’ll explain the difference shortly).

I don’t know if it was the technology that captivated me, or staring at the people in a zombie-like trance while they were using it. Either way, it looked cool. Ever since I saw that, I have pondered where the VR/AR world may end up.

The guy I was speaking with at the exhibit was telling me about how they can create environments off a drawing so it can be experienced prior to it actually being developed. It sounded a little far-fetched to be honest, but it was there in front of my eyes. I was more curious as to who’d use it. And back then, who’d pay for it, as it cost a bomb!

What’s the difference between Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR)?

Virtual Reality (VR) is the use of computer technology to create a simulated environment. Unlike traditional user interfaces, VR places the user inside an experience. Instead of viewing a screen in front of them, users are immersed and able to interact with 3D worlds.

If you’ve ever tried VR, you basically step into another world, the minute you place your mask on. Everything you see is a computer-rendered reality and yes, it’s kind of trippy. 

Augmented Reality is an enhanced version of reality created by the use of technology to overlay digital information on an image of something being viewed through a device (such as a smartphone camera).

A classic example of AR that most of us would be familiar with is a fad that captured the world a few years ago, called Pokemon Go. It’s where you take an actual existing environment and overlay it with a digital render to make it look like it’s there. 

VR Applications

VR is a very effective tool for casting vision. If they say a picture tells a thousand words, then I’d have to say that a VR experience tells a thousand pictures. 

• Imagine being able to view a home before it’s built
• What if you could sit in a car that didn’t exist?
• What if you could go ‘in-store’ shopping from the comfort of your home?

Some of these things might sound creepy, but most of them exist already and we’re only scratching the iceberg. 

AR Applications

AR is extremely useful for things like:

• Placing virtual furniture into a roo

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