Virtual Reality in Construction

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What is virtual reality?

Well, let me tell you it’s versatile nature. At times it is very much similar to reality, and at times it is entirely different from reality. The word “virtual” relates to anything that does not exist physically but is created and made visible by software use. Virtual reality is the use of computer technology in creating a simulated environment.

It is viewed through a head-mounted display (HMD), worn by the user, and places the user in a 3-D World experience. Not only head-mounted displays but there is a range of systems used for this purpose, such as Omni-directional treadmills and specialized gloves. These systems align our senses together in order to create the illusion of reality. Suppose a virtual reality system succeeds in getting the combination of hardware, software, and sensory synchronized just right. In that case, it achieves something known as a sense of presence, where the users feel like they’re present in the environment.

How can VR be used in construction?

Ever thought about the numerous ways in which virtual reality can be used? Anything occurring, in reality, can be converted to virtual reality, yes, literally anything! Wherever the situation seems too dangerous, impractical, or expensive to do in reality, virtual reality is the answer.

It allows us to take risks before implementing something, in reality, saving much cost, time, and effort. Construction Industry Professionals can imagine how a single mistake on the worksite can lead to delays and incur high costs. Virtual reality allows contractors to look into the future and spot errors before actual implementation. You can enter the Virtual world by only wearing VR glasses, and you are already inside the building, virtually! Tons of material can be saved from being wasted if we use virtual reality in the construction industry. Also, it can lead to improved client satisfaction. Contractors allow their clients to virtually view the building’s size, design, and structure before beginning the construction. Immersive feedback is taken from the clients, and then adjustments are made accordingly.

To some extent, Virtual Reality in Construction is similar to BIM (Building Information Modeling). But BIM does not provide as many details as Virtual reality does. Using BIM, you can get a walkthrough of the building on a screen, but you would still be deprived of how it feels inside the building. This is made possible by Virtual Reality. As soon as we wear the VR glasses/HMD, we can experience in actuality the scale and proportion of every part of the building!

Not only this, people who want to add an extra floor, or room, or renovate their house in any way can also take advantage of virtual reality. They can make up their minds about whether the renovation will add value to their house or not. So, no more “it does not look like I imagined” phrases, no more regrets!

Safer Training

Virtual reality also leads to better and safer training of workers at the site. Mostly, they are handling dangerous equipment that needs perfect expertise before running. Any mistake in handling the machine can cause severe injuries and damage. The solution to this is virtual reality. They can make as many virtual reality mistakes as handling the machine before putting their hands on the machine in reality.

Realistic Timelines

Virtual reality allows contractors to provide realistic timelines to their clients and when the project is to complete. This will help improve the reputation and goodwill of the construction company that they follow strict deadlines and get the work done on the dates predicted. After all, client satisfaction is on top of everything!

Virtual reality will probably be the standard by which all construction projects are planned and constructed. No project will be started or finalized until it has been built in the virtual world first. Soon, everyone will be using VR for an unforeseen number of applications.

CONCLUSION

Virtual reality has the potential to organize building the design process, increase synchronicity between contractors and customers, boost satisfaction, and positively differentiate your business from other business entities. As more companies understand the benefits of incorporating VR within their construction company, one must expect to see the use of Virtual Reality evolve in new and exciting ways!

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