The advent of augmented reality (AR) technology has had remarkable implications for the construction industry. While past technologies have revolutionized the way construction projects are accomplished, AR has focused on providing new opportunities for greater accuracy and efficiency.

AR allows workers on a construction site or in an office to see virtual objects overlaid on the real-world environment. By having digital models appear in the same physical space as physical objects, virtual plans can be used to evaluate existing structures, analyze potential problems, and assist with the planning and preparation of construction projects.

For example, field teams are able to use AR to accurately measure a space for a potential renovation before ground is broken. This allows them to ensure that the setup will be suitable for the intended plans and any changes can quickly be relayed to the design team. AR can also be used to confirm positions or alignment of various components during the installation or assembly of critical pieces of the project. This can save days or weeks of work that would have been spent manually verifying these measurements.

Field personnel can also use AR goggles or headsets to help them interpret instructions and provide the most accurate information while on site. Augmented reality is being used to provide workers with instant access to product information, schematics, and digital plans. This reduces the need for extra trips back and forth from the office to verify information.

Not only is AR being used on site, but design teams are now using AR for faster real-time visualization. This is allowing them to better understand and evaluate how the project will look when finished. AR is also being used in marketing, allowing potential buyers to step into a fully rendered, virtual environment and experience the project before it even begins. Technicians can even use AR tools for remote diagnostics and repairs on heavy machinery or vehicles, reducing downtime for repairs in the face of distant and difficult problems.

As the construction industry becomes more reliant on technology, AR is becoming a vital tool in the development, planning, and execution of projects. By taking existing plans and turning them into visual digital representations, the construction industry is able to create faster, more accurate, and efficient projects. Augmented reality not only assists in the process of building, but helps the industry keep up with the fast-paced work of today’s modern world.