As a Microsoft mixed reality partner, Bentley Systems is now offering SYNCHRO XR, an app designed for immersively visualizing 4D construction digital twins using the Microsoft HoloLens 2, a self-contained holographic computer that enables hands-free, heads-up interaction with digital models.
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. Together, users can interact with the model - using intuitive gestures - and collaboratively experience 4D objects in space and time, as opposed to traditional interaction with a 2D screen depicting 3D objects.
"Users benefit from a new perspective on the design and a deeper, more immediate understanding of the work and project schedule," Noah Eckhouse, senior vice president, project delivery, Bentley Systems, explains. "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.”
The Royal BAM Group in Barcelona, Spain, is currently using the SYNCHRO XR and HoloLens 2 mixed reality solution for the construction of a large museum project in the city of Rotterdam (learn more in video below). "The real need for a digital transformation in our industry is about avoiding rework at our construction site," says Menno de Jonge, director of digital construction for the Royal BAM Group. "Using this technology, we can easily visualize the construction schedule. 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.”