Dive Brief:

A new study has found that real-time 3D visualization (RT3D), which allows users to create virtual experiences for virtual reality, augmented reality and other platforms, is on the rise in the manufacturing and AEC industries.

The research by Forrester Consulting found that, although only 19% currently are using RT3D — also known as digital twins — the technology appears to be approaching a tipping point, as 55% of organizations surveyed said they plan to adopt it within two years.

Of the companies that utilize RT3D, 94% plan to expand their usage of the technology, which allows users to create and deploy interactive, realistic digital representations of real-world assets such as manufactured products and buildings, according to the study, which was commissioned by RT3D platform Unity Technologies.

Dive Insight:

While digital twins have been used for years in manufacturing and aviation, adoption is slowly making its way to construction. These virtual models collect real-world information about a structure via sensors, drones and other wireless technology. The “twin” continuously learns from multiple sources, including advanced analytics, machine-learning algorithms and artificial intelligence (AI) to gain valuable insights about the performance, operation or profitability of a project, whether built or in progress.

RT3D representations can be used to conduct tests, gain insight or record events and experiences without impacting the built object. They can also integrate historical data from past usage to compare deviation to a baseline.

These representations look and behave like a real-world asset and can be placed within contextual environments and simulated scenarios, such as a skyscraper project shown within a city at various times of day.

The study found a variety of uses for the technology in the construction industry, such as:

Showing progress on big, expensive, multiyear projects.

Use in showrooms or in presentations to clients.

Training and safety.

Jobsite coordination.

Clash detection.

While digital twin technology is expected to greatly benefit the construction industry in years to come, there are challenges to its adoption, Chitwan Saluja, digital technologies manager for Jacobs' north division, told Construction Dive. These include the need for training in a range of technology and software and the cost of the systems to create and manage RT3D.

“I would expect it will become a question of who will pay, which often comes back to the procurement method used for a project,” she said. ​

The research uncovered several recommendations for construction firms that are ready to get started with RT3D. They include the following.