An Investigation of Mixed Reality Technology for Onsite Construction Assembly

Abstract

The construction industry often falls short of other industries in terms of innovation; overall productivity within the construction industry has remained nearly flat for fifty years. As such, the industry is frequently exploring new technologies with the potential to increase its work efficiency as well as productivity. Mixed Reality (MR), which allows for the blending of real and virtual worlds, is one such technology that has a capability to improve productivity. The aim of this research study is to test MR’s potential as an onsite assembly tool in construction. The study more specifically determined if holographic BIM models, spatially anchored in 1:1 ratio over active construction sites, could provide trades’ sufficient information to assemble and install their work without using paper plans. A controlled experiment was designed to test if the electrical and plumbing components of a mock-bathroom could be installed only with MR. A total of 5 sub-groups, each consisting of two participants, took part in this experiment and the time is taken by each sub-group (i.e. the MR group) to complete the assembly was recorded. This was then compared with the time taken by a similar number of sub-groups (i.e. the Control group) to complete the same assembly using paper plans only. The analysis indicates that on average the MR group took approximately 9% less time as compared to the Control group. Qualitative analysis via a post-exercise questionnaire found several technological limitations that the MR must overcome before it sees widespread implementation as a tool for guiding construction assembly. The post-exercise questionnaire also gathered participants’ perceptions about MR potential in construction. This paper highlights the benefits and limitations of the MR technology in construction along with recommendations for improvement as well as future research.