Virtual reality (VR) is no longer just a vision of the future – it’s already a reality. This visionary technology has already revolutionized industries such as video games and sports entertainment, allowing users to fully immerse themselves in virtual game worlds or complete realistic training simulations. And, of course, the construction sector is no exception.
The market for virtual reality in construction has grown significantly in recent years. Approximately 60% of construction companies use it for safety training, and it is estimated that over the next two years around 50% intend to increase their investment in VR solutions.
Keep reading to learn more about how this groundbreaking advancement is impacting the building industry!
Table of contents
What is virtual reality?
VR is a technology that uses software to create a simulated user environment. This virtual scenario is a computer-generated environment with scenes and objects that appear real, making the user feel immersed in their surroundings. This environment is experienced through a device known as a VR headset or helmet.
Fun fact: While this technology may seem extremely futuristic, its origins are not as recent as you think! The first virtual reality invention dates back to the mid-1950s in the United States. It was a machine called the Sensorama, with a built-in seat that played 3D movies, emitted scents, and generated vibrations to make the experience as vivid as possible. We could say that this invention was the first attempt at what Apple’s Vision Pro Glasses are today.
Virtual reality vs. augmented reality
It is also quite common to confuse virtual reality with augmented reality (AR). The main difference between these two technologies is that VR creates a fully immersive world through a special headset. Everything we see is part of an environment artificially constructed with images, sounds, and other sensory inputs.
On the other hand, AR uses our real world as a framework and places objects and other elements within it. Everything we see is in a real environment, and wearing a headset is not always necessary. A clear and mainstream example of this concept is Instagram filters or Pokémon GO, which are examples of AR.
However, there is also a combination of both realities called mixed reality. This hybrid technology allows us to see virtual objects in the real world and create an experience where the physical and digital are virtually indistinguishable, such as holograms.
Benefits of virtual reality in construction
Virtual reality offers limitless possibilities in the industry. Here are some of the main benefits that this technology can provide construction companies:
Better safety training
Safety is a top priority in the construction industry, and providing comprehensive safety training to workers is essential for the success of projects. VR training programs permit employees to enter into lifelike construction environments, allowing them to practice safety protocols without real-world risks. They can simulate tasks in different scenarios to increase their preparedness and help them develop effective safety habits.
The immersive nature of this innovative technology allows participants to repeat exercises without distractions, fostering a deeper understanding of safety procedures. For employers, VR training ensures a more competent workforce that has already experienced real-life situations relevant to their roles in a more secure way.
Superior project presentations
The presentation phase is crucial for securing project approval and funding, and virtual reality can revolutionize this stage. With VR, you can provide an immersive, detailed tour of the proposed structure, allowing stakeholders to virtually experience the final construction before it’s built.
This level of detail and immersion surpasses traditional methods – think boring PowerPoint slides! – and effectively communicates your vision to your stakeholders. In the building industry, this immersive technology helps investors, clients, and other stakeholders visualize, interact with, and understand proposed structures in a much more realistic and engaging way.
Improved collaboration
Large construction projects are sometimes located in difficult, far away, or remote areas, making it challenging for contractors and engineers to regularly inspect the work. VR allows project teams to virtually visit construction sites and track work progress.
This improves collaboration because project managers can use VR glasses connected to their phones or tablets to collaboratively review progress, address issues from various perspectives, and make immediate adjustments while viewing the outcomes together. This flexibility also leads to substantial time savings in meeting delivery schedules.
Reduce costs & material waste
Proper planning and scheduling are crucial to reducing costs and minimizing material waste on construction projects. Without it, materials are often wasted or left unused. By using a virtual reality model, construction teams can accurately plan the quantities of materials required, helping to minimize over-ordering.
VR simulations can optimize the sequence of construction activities, to ensure efficient use of materials. This not only reduces waste and environmental impact but also prevents unnecessary expenses & streamlines the procurement process.
Augmented reality and its complementary role
As we briefly mentioned, VR & AR are different technologies; however, augmented reality can complement virtual reality in several ways, enabling construction companies to:
Display real-time information: AR improves professionals’ understanding of the construction environment by overlaying digital information such as blueprints, technical specifications, or real-time data onto the physical site. This integration allows workers and supervisors to view updated construction plans instantly while inspecting the actual site, improving the accuracy and efficiency of decision-making. This capability not only streamlines workflows but also minimizes errors by ensuring that everyone is working with the most up-to-date information available.
Visualize virtual designs in real scenarios: While VR immerses users in fully virtual environments, AR enhances construction projects by displaying design models within the actual context of the site. For instance, architects can employ AR to project a 3D model of a proposed building directly onto the existing environment, making it easier to evaluate how the design integrates with the surroundings. This capability enables stakeholders to assess spatial relationships, aesthetics, and practical considerations in real time, fostering more informed and efficient project planning.
Task guidance: AR can provide step-by-step guidance to workers during construction, showing them where to place components or how to perform tasks through visual cues or real-time instructions. Employees can follow instructions overlaid in their physical environment, reducing errors and improving overall worksite efficiency.
The future of VR in construction
The fusion of VR & next-generation technologies could indeed be the next big takeover, leading to visionary architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) feats. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most groundbreaking integrations in the industry:
Building Information Modeling (BIM)
Building Information Modeling (BIM) is a process that uses digital models to create a virtual representation of a construction project. Today, BIM is considered one of the foundations of the digital transformation of AEC workflows. The combination of this process & VR offers a range of exciting possibilities in the building design phase.
A key benefit of this integration is enhanced client engagement. Clients can immerse themselves in the virtual environment and actively participate in the design process. This hands-on involvement enables more informed feedback and adjustments that reflect their preferences. Furthermore, combining these two technologies boosts project efficiency by creating a virtual model of it. This virtual walkthrough allows workers to identify potential issues before construction begins, helping to prevent costly mistakes.
Generative artificial intelligence
One of the main challenges in creating virtual reality environments has historically been that it is a complex and time-consuming process. Fortunately, generative AI is helping streamline this process. Gen AI technology uses machine learning algorithms to quickly analyze design data and automatically generate detailed virtual reality environments in a matter of minutes.
Generative AI optimizes the design for specific factors, such as energy efficiency and material selection. The combination of VR and generative AI can yield powerful results by producing multiple design options that can then be virtually assessed.
Cloud computing
Advances in cloud computing are also playing a critical role in advancing virtual reality. This technology consists of remote servers accessed via the internet to store, manage, and process data rather than on a local server or personal computer.
Integrating VR and cloud computing ensures the secure storage of plans, documents, and designs critical to construction projects. Instead of worrying about losing or misplacing important files, everything is securely stored in the cloud and accessible and shareable whenever needed.
Additionally, the scalability of cloud resources enables construction companies to handle large datasets and complex VR simulations without the need for costly and extensive on-site hardware, leading to enhanced project privacy security and reduced costs.
Virtual reality in the construction industry: The impact of Cemex Ventures
At Cemex Ventures, we’re actively looking for startups that transform the construction sector and improve its efficiency through disruptive digital tech like VR & AR. We are committed to helping drive the digital revolution of the building industry by investing in, partnering with, and accelerating startups with these incredible solutions.
Introduce your startup’s innovative solution: Contact us!
