BuildingPoint Canada: Advancing Construction with Mixed Reality and Artificial Intelligence

At BuildingPoint Canada, we focus on the integration of innovative technologies designed to enhance construction workflows, efficiency, and project results. The use of mixed reality (MR) and artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming the construction sector, addressing challenges such as labour shortages, project delays, and rising expenses. 

Mixed Reality: Improving Construction Workflows 

Mixed reality is no longer a futuristic notion; it is an essential resource in construction. MR enables contractors to visualize and engage with digital designs within the physical environment, enhancing collaboration and project management. It has become integral to daily workflows, offering real-time design information that enables construction teams to operate more efficiently. 

A notable application of MR is detecting design conflicts. For instance, Bowen Engineering utilized MR to uncover a conflict between ductwork and structural steel prior to fabrication, which resulted in significant savings in both time and costs. MERIDIA in Costa Rica achieved a reduction of over 50% in owner-driven modifications, thus lowering project expenses. These proactive measures highlight MR’s capability to identify challenges before they escalate into costly issues, ultimately improving project efficiency. 

MR has also revolutionized tasks like installation verification and Building Information Modeling (BIM) coordination. Miron Construction in Wisconsin employs MR to enhance these operations, ensuring greater accuracy and quicker decision-making as project timelines shorten. 

Challenges and Opportunities in Mixed Reality 

Although MR presents substantial potential, it encounters hurdles, particularly in ensuring that digital models accurately align with physical sites. Frequently, there is a discrepancy between the model and the job site, compromising the effectiveness of MR. Achieving this alignment is crucial for MR to gain widespread acceptance within the construction sector. 

Another advantage of MR is its role in making construction data available to everyone. By providing workers on-site with direct access to design models, MR encourages informed decision-making, minimizing dependence on a few specialists and boosting productivity. Additionally, MR is beneficial for training, allowing new employees to quickly grasp and interact with design models, thereby accelerating their learning process. 

Artificial Intelligence: Transforming Construction Operations 

While MR alters data visualization methods, artificial intelligence is ready to fundamentally change how construction is designed, executed, and managed. Experts, including James Barrett from Turner Construction, believe that AI will alter the industry more over the next decade than any other technology has in the past century. 

AI holds the promise of enhancing every segment of construction. It can improve safety, forecast project results, optimize timetables, and decrease human error. As AI technology progresses, it will take over repetitive tasks, assist in addressing complex challenges, and manage resources more effectively, making construction projects more efficient and economically viable. 

AI tools are becoming increasingly available to construction professionals, as they grow more user-friendly and seamlessly integrate into daily tasks. Construction workers, even those without coding skills, can now access real-time solutions for various aspects, from onsite task management to coordinating design teams. 

Challenges of AI Adoption 

Despite AI’s promise, there are still challenges, especially in handling the vast data generated at construction sites. The construction industry typically suffers from data silos, where information is ineffectively shared or integrated. For AI to tap into its full capabilities, construction firms must break down these silos and promote stronger collaboration. 

Tim Gaylord from DPR Construction stresses that effective data management is essential for realizing AI’s full potential. To harness the advantages of AI, construction teams must dismantle data silos and facilitate efficient data sharing throughout all stages of the project. When this is achieved, AI will provide predictive insights that enhance scheduling, cut costs, and avert mistakes before they occur. 

The Future of Construction: A Digital Revolution 

The combination of MR and AI indicates a digital transformation in construction. These technologies are quickly becoming fundamental tools in the field, with their potential continuing to expand as they evolve. At BuildingPoint Canada, we are thrilled to be part of this change, assisting construction teams in streamlining workflows and enhancing project results. 

In summary, the synergy of MR and AI represents not merely a trend but the future of construction. These technologies confront long-standing issues such as labour shortages, project delays, and budget excesses, while simultaneously making construction smarter, more efficient, and better suited to meet contemporary demands. 

If you’re ready to take advantage of mixed reality for your workflows, contact BuildingPoint Canada for a free demo.