AECOM and Trimble Pioneering Use of Mixed-Reality Technology for Engineering and Construction
Bridging the Digital and Real Worlds to Enable Improved Communication and Collaboration on Projects Spanning Three Continents
LOS ANGELES and SUNNYVALE, Calif., June 13, 2016—AECOM (NYSE: ACM) and Trimble (NASDAQ: TRMB) are collaborating on the world’s first use of Microsoft HoloLens “mixed-reality” technology for engineering and construction. AECOM has launched a pilot program with Trimble to apply the technology to projects on three continents.
Through a lightweight headset, HoloLens technology adds holograms of 3D objects into a user’s view, allowing interaction with these virtual objects as if they were present. Trimble’s innovative mixed-reality solutions allow AECOM to feed 3D engineering models into the HoloLens world, including models of large or complex projects.
AECOM is deploying HoloLens devices and Trimble technologies to real-world projects, including the Serpentine Galleries’ annual architecture program in London. The mixed-reality technology supplements conventional working practices and improves communication, collaboration and visualization.
“Exploring complex structures in a mixed-reality environment has huge potential to accelerate the engineering design process,” said AECOM president Stephen M. Kadenacy. “With this technology we can gain greater clarity earlier in the design review process than with 2D drawings or 3D models on screen, and team members in different locations, each wearing a headset, can simultaneously explore the same holographic projections. We’re very excited to be working with Trimble at the cutting edge of mixed reality.”
With the Serpentine Galleries, AECOM and Trimble pioneered the application of HoloLens-enabled technology to the built environment. This year the Serpentine Galleries’ program includes four Summer Houses with complex, unconventional structures and the new technology has aided in visualization and design review.
“As an early adopter of Microsoft HoloLens, AECOM is already demonstrating the value of mixed reality in the architecture, engineering and construction industry,” said Bryn Fosburgh, vice president at Trimble. “Aided by Trimble solutions and the HoloLens in a business setting, the company is learning first-hand how the technology can improve efficiency and enable effective collaboration throughout the design process.”
With Trimble solutions, AECOM designers and engineers can view a complex structure as if it were a 3D model placed on a table, or zoom in for a 1:1 view that simulates what it would be like to move through its structural framework.
This shared experience allows team members to physically point out potential difficulties or unforeseen conflicts in an evolving design. Trimble’s solutions allow participants to log observations and create a group action plan during the session.
As part of Trimble’s Mixed-Reality Pilot Program, AECOM is deploying HoloLens devices in London, Hong Kong and Denver. Engineers and architects in these different continents can share the same holographic models simultaneously, with their movements and interactions linked together via the Internet connected by Trimble solutions.
About AECOM
AECOM is built to deliver a better world. We design, build, finance and operate infrastructure assets for governments, businesses and organizations in more than 150 countries. As a fully integrated firm, we connect knowledge and experience across our global network of experts to help clients solve their most complex challenges. From high-performance buildings and infrastructure, to resilient communities and environments, to stable and secure nations, our work is transformative, differentiated and vital. A Fortune 500 firm, AECOM had revenue of approximately $18 billion during fiscal year 2015. See how we deliver what others can only imagine at aecom.com and @AECOM.
About Trimble’s Mixed-Reality Pilot Program
Trimble’s Mixed-Reality Pilot Program provides visionary Architecture, Engineering, Construction and Operations (AECO) companies an opportunity to experience how mixed-reality technology can transform the way they work. Working together with Trimble, pilot participants can explore and utilize mixed reality in their projects to improve team communication, data interpretation and collaboration during the design development and pre-construction stages of their projects. As part of the program, Trimble provides training and implementation support on Microsoft HoloLens and Trimble mixed-reality solutions.
About Trimble
Trimble is transforming the way the world works by delivering products and services that connect the physical and digital worlds. Core technologies in positioning, modeling, connectivity and data analytics enable customers to improve productivity, quality, safety, and sustainability. From purpose built products to enterprise lifecycle solutions, Trimble software, hardware and services are transforming a broad range of industries such as agriculture, construction, geospatial, and transportation and logistics.
