The worker pulls on his tool belt and snaps down the visor of his headset. It powers on, loading the 3D model of what he needs to build—in this case, the metal framing for a hospital bathroom pod. The 3D image snaps into place, staying affixed to the floor and ceiling as he moves around it. Without the aid of a tape measure or layout laser, the worker begins assembling the framing, matching the pieces to their ghostly hologram outlines and fastening connections where the model dictates.
It was only a proof-of-concept demonstration, set up in a controlled space with proper lighting for the Microsoft HoloLens to function correctly. But the results of the test by Gardena, Calif.-based contractor Martin Bros. were promising, says Cody Nowak, the company’s VDC and BIM manager.