Augmented Reality is something that has become more and more prominent in recent times, and seems that every week a new, exciting development is being made. AR has the potential to drastically change the entire construction industry, with numerous potential uses. However, currently, there are limitations which are slowing AR’S successful incorporation into the construction industry.

One problem is that, on a construction project, all the data received has to be completely accurate, all the time. One miscalculation, based on incorrect data, can have drastic consequences, potentially resulting in huge losses, both in terms of money, and of life. Until the data can be proved to be wholly accurate, we will struggle to implement AR.

Another problem is that at the moment, AR is best suited to stationary, unchanging situations. A construction site is constantly moving and, so current augmented reality technology will struggle to keep up.

Part of the huge amount of money that has gone into AR has been spent in developing the actual headset. But, no matter how refined it may be, there will always the problem of a blind spot, where your visibility is reduced by the goggles themselves. Now, whilst this really isn’t an issue at home, or in a design studio, on a construction site, with heavy machinery and vehicles, the potential for a fatal accident is higher than in a home setting. Your visibility is paramount for your safety, and until these blind spots can be totally removed, AR goggles won’t be implemented on construction sites.

Until these problems can be solved, we will struggle to use AR in the construction industry. The potential for massive losses of money, and risks to the personal safety are too great at the moment. However, when these issues are fixed, the possibilities are endless, and businesses within the construction industry will find themselves with an invaluable resource.