Bentley Systems and Microsoft have created a mixed reality for the architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) industry with the introduction of a new App known as SYNCHRO XR.
Bentley demonstrated how with SYNCHRO XR for HoloLens 2, users can interact collaboratively with digital construction models using intuitive gestures to plan, visualize, and experience construction sequencing.
Project digital twin data is visualized with the HoloLens 2 via Bentley's connected data environment, powered by Microsoft Azure.
With the mixed reality solution, construction managers, project schedulers, owner operators, and other project stakeholders can gain insights through immersive visualization into planned work, construction progress, potential site risks, and safety requirements.
Additionally, users can interact with the model together and collaboratively experience 4D objects in space and time, as opposed to traditional interaction with a 2D screen depicting 3D objects.
Noah Eckhouse, senior vice president, project delivery for Bentley Systems, said instead of using a 2D screen with a mouse and keyboard, the user can now walk around the model with their body and reach out and grab digital objects that appear to co-occupy physical reality.
“This is a powerful way to review work that is completed and to prepare for upcoming work at the jobsite,” he said.
Menno de Jonge, director of digital construction for the Royal BAM Group, is using the App on the construction site for a large museum project in the city of Rotterdam.
“Using this technology, we can easily visualize the construction schedule," he said.
"Then, we can see if we are behind in schedule, we can flag any potential problems or issues, look into the problems, and get back on track."