Augmented Reality in Construction - Thematic Research

Augmented Reality in Construction - Thematic Research

Summary

Augmented reality (AR) is a technology that allows the user to see the real world overlaid with digital data, including sensor-based data, location-based data, sound, video, or graphics. AR can allow construction teams to go on augmented tours of projects and review progress.

The construction industry has large, complex sites to manage, strict project deadlines, hazardous working conditions, and tight profit margins. It is under increasing pressure to digitalize and improve its environmental, social, and governance (ESG) credentials. AR can support progress monitoring, design, and understanding of 3D models and increase project accuracy by identifying errors early.

AR will become a $100 billion market by 2030

According to GlobalData forecasts, the AR market will be worth $100 billion by 2030, up from $22 billion in 2022. AR software will generate most of this revenue, with limited spending on AR headsets and AR smart glasses.

AR vendors such as Autodesk, Microsoft, Qualcomm, Unity, and Vuzix are important players in the construction sector. Many specialist AR vendors are also developing hardware, platforms, or apps to improve data visualization, project management, and collaboration. This is often on smartphones or tablets, but specialist headsets are increasingly used. Many of these vendors will be acquisition targets as larger companies aim to improve their 3D mapping and AR visualization capabilities.

Generative AI will fuel AR growth and adoption

Generative artificial intelligence (AI) can support the scalable creation of AR objects more cheaply and quickly than currently possible. The use of generative AI in AR will only increase as the two technologies advance in the coming years.

Wearable start-ups will continue to emerge

There is a significant opportunity for wearables in the construction industry. Several start-ups operate in this space. For example, Proxxi has developed a smart bracelet that buzzes near high-voltage electricity to help prevent users from getting electrocuted. Wearables can also improve communication channels between field and desk workers. Businesses will continue to adopt AR wearables in the coming years, but in the short term, the high cost of headsets and smart glasses will hinder widespread adoption.

Leaders

Below is a list of the construction companies leading in AR adoption and the leading specialist AR vendors in construction.

Leading AR adopters in construction

Leaders include companies that have partnered with specialist AR vendors and developed in-house expertise. These include AECOM, Laing O'Rourke, Larsen & Toubro, Siemens, Skanska, Royal BAM, and VINCI.

Specialist AR vendors in construction

Autodesk, Hexagon, Topcon, Trimble, Unity.

Key Highlights

37% of construction companies intend to invest in AR within the next two years, and most of these have already invested GlobalData’s Trend Insight – Technology in Construction report revealed that enabling technologies such as cloud technology and building information modelling (BIM) have attracted significantly more interest than AR, with 65% of respondents stating they had invested in cloud technology and 62% in BIM.

AR is highly applicable in design, construction, and operation AR and its applications benefit the construction industry throughout the construction value chain, from conceptual design to operations and maintenance. AR apps and content offer the most value for investment and should be explored by companies operating at any stage of the construction value chain.

The construction industry faces several unique challenges that limit AR adoption One of these is the ongoing integration gap between AR devices and BIM systems, which are currently used extensively across the construction industry. For AR technology to be used more widely, AR developers need to target this integration gap. In addition, the lack of strong data connections is common at construction sites, negatively impacting the widespread use of AR technology. Another concern is a general lack of understanding of how AR can be used to make more informed business decisions, coupled with the perception that AR technology is complex. Safety is a further challenge, and there is an ongoing health and safety concern that using AR technology on-site could distract from an individual’s awareness of their immediate surroundings.

Supply chain collaboration is key to reducing value chain emissions > Managing the construction supply chain is crucial for reducing Scope 3 emissions and involves working closely with suppliers to ensure they adhere to sustainable practices and provide low carbon products. Companies need to work with downstream industries to jointly develop and implement emission reduction initiatives such as the optimization of transport methods and the use of cleaner sources of energy and energy efficient technologies.

Scope

The “Augmented Reality in Construction” thematic intelligence report gives you an in-depth insight into the impact of AR in construction, including key players, challenges, and market size and growth forecasts. The report elucidates the growing importance of AR in the construction sector along with the progress made by the leading companies to integrate AR and VR. These detailed analyses are critical in developing effective business plans to gain a competitive edge.

Reasons to Buy

This report -

• Discusses the challenges the construction industry faces and how AR can be used to help address them.
• Evaluates the impact of AR in the construction sector, including variuos use cases and case studies.
• Benchmarks leading AR vendors, and leading construction companies based on their adoption of AR.