Microsoft has partnered with Trimble and Cambridge University for its augmented reality (AR) headset to be used as a tool in construction. Trimble's SketchUp Viewer, which is priced at $1,499, is the first commercial HoloLens application for the construction industry in the Windows Store late last year.
Tech Crunch reported that the tech giant has partnered with Trimble and Cambridge University to find new ways to use HoloLens for construction. Microsoft has already announced that a set of new trials are currently being developed.
One way that HoloLens can be used for construction is as an Automated Progress Monitoring tool. This will allow inspectors to do visual inspections of a construction site without the need to write several documents and reports.
With the AR headset, necessary information on a physical object can be displayed on top of it. Inspectors can just check them and report the results of their inspection using the HoloLens.
According to Engadget, the second trial that HoloLens can be used by inspectors is by taking high resolution photos on the building site. This data will then be taken back to the office and overlaid onto a 3D model of the project.
Cambridge researcher Philipp Huethwohl said that this can be used for condition testing, especially in finding problems with the structure. This would lessen the risk that comes with physical inspections and, at the same time, allow the structures to remain open.
In a blog post on Windows' official website, Microsoft noted that the second trial is named the Automated Bridge Damage Detection. It is expected to be a more efficient way of making sure that bridges do not go into the "failure zone," which leads to major road closures and disruption.
The company revealed that its collaboration with Trimble and Cambridge University is to provide construction sector stakeholders with the information needed in making decision and to better manage physical infrastructure assets.
