9 use cases for Virtual Reality in construction

Virtual reality in engineering simulates the design and implementation of an engineering work in a virtual environment. Let’s see the main fields of application!

Imagine a world without engineering…It would be impossible, wouldn’t it? Everything around us is the result of a work of engineering. And virtual reality has been increasingly used by engineers to simplify workflows.

Through the use of virtual reality, in fact, it is possible to totally revolutionize the way professionals work. If you want to find out more about this technology, then I recommend that you immediately try using a virtual reality software for free.

But now let’s focus on the main applications of Virtual Reality in Engineering and on the main benefits it is bringing.

What is Virtual Reality in Engineering?

Virtual Reality (VR) used in engineering primarily means revolutionizing the engineering industry. It implies abandoning 2D modeling to embrace an immersive technology that creates a connection between the digital space and the real world.

It can be used both at the beginning of the design cycle of a product and in subsequent production cycles:

• generally, the project is examined to detect any weaknesses, risks or problems. The VR accompanies the technicians at this stage, allowing them to correct or improve some details before operating on the final product;
• in the executive phase, on the other hand, designers and engineers can test the correct functioning of a product in a safe environment, implementing it with greater efficiency.

VR allows professionals to use 3D modeling tools and visualization techniques. In this way, engineers can interact with their 3D projects on a large scale, creating a common, safe working environment where problems are spotted and solved immediately.

Virtual reality in engineering

How Virtual Reality is used in Engineering: 9 main use cases

There is a considering number of applications of virtual reality in the fields of engineering. Let’s see the main ones together:

1. VR in civil engineering: the design of urban objects such as bridges, towers, tunnels, railways or roads can be easily simulated and verified in a virtual environment, facilitating the identification of anomalies in construction plans and the development of optimal engineering solutions;
2. VR in structural engineering: the use of VR tools allows to assess in advance the stability of the structures and test their safety;
3. VR in mechanical engineering: VR is used to design 3D models of heavy machinery and equipment, in order to diagnose any problems and solve them;
4. VR in automotive engineering: Virtual reality is used for prototyping purposes during the design process of automotive components. In this way, the different versions produced, which can be tested and modified based on the results, will replace the need to build a physical prototype and accelerate the development phase;
   

   VR in automotive engineering

    

5. VR in aerospace engineering: the use of virtual reality is now common among aerospace engineers for the development of their research. It is also used for collaborative work aiming to obtain a comprehensive understanding of the data. For some years now, Virtual Reality has also been used to design and build Boeings;
6. VR in aeronautical engineering: it is possible to simulate the connections efficiently through the VR, allowing the same scenarios to be recreated for more consistent results and with a reduction of time and costs of definitiion of the parts of the aircraft engines;
7. VR in biomedical engineering: the simulation of a complex surgeries in the operating room is now reality thanks to the use of VR devices. Interactive teaching allows the training of doctors who will be prepared to face specific health emergencies;
   

   VR in medical engineering

8. VR in chemical engineering: chemical engineers use virtual reality to test chemical reactions and design various devices using 3D modeling. It is important also for safe training in laboratories;
9. VR in electrical engineering: developing electrical systems is less challenging and risky if you do so in virtual environments, which allow you to work and learn safely.

The Benefits of Virtual Reality in Engineering

Virtual reality has a strong impact on many engineering fields, bringing a number of advantages:

• workflow optimization;
• better performance;
• better visualization and understanding of any product;
• execution of design reviews directly in a virtual environment;
• identification of errors in the early stages of product design;
• better collaboration with engineers located in different parts of the globe;
• better coordination between design and construction cycles;
• time and cost saving.

Despite the obvious advantages, there are still limitations in the application of virtual reality, mainly due to the lack of adequate training on the subject, which erroneously pushes many engineers to see it as a wrong investment rather than as a launching pad.

If you are an engineer and want to start approaching Virtual Reality online, just buy a VR headset and start using usBIM.reality for free. This tool communicates perfectly with the software you already use, offering all the benefits of virtual reality with low financial investments and a short amount of time.