AECCafe Voice 
Susan Smith
Susan Smith has worked as an editor and writer in the technology industry for over 16 years. As an editor she has been responsible for the launch of a number of technology trade publications, both in print and online. Currently, Susan is the Editor of GISCafe and AECCafe, as well as those sites’ … More » Trimble XR10 for HoloLens 2 System Enables Workers to Visualize 3D Data on Project SitesNovember 14th, 2019 by Susan Smith
Trimble announced this week that they are now taking orders for the Trimble® XR10 with HoloLens 2 system, a worksite-ready mixed-reality solution that enables workers to visualize 3D data on project sites for easier and more efficient planning, collaboration and reporting.
The new solution is enabled by two central components:
Jordan Lawver, Portfolio Manager, Mixed Reality, Trimble, answered some questions for AECCafe Voice about the new Trimble XR10 with HoloLens 2 system: What workflows do both the XR10 with HoloLens 2 and Trimble Control for HoloLens replace or enhance? The ability to overlay BIM data on a construction site provides workers with an enhanced understanding of design intent and empowers them to better coordinate the work to be done with the other stakeholders on site. On a project, inaccurate or outdated information and miscommunication can result in costly mistakes, causing inefficiency and jeopardizing project timelines. Trimble Connect for HoloLens and the XR10 enable the teams to bring their data into the actual environment, foreseeing the work and possible site issues before they happen. Trimble Connect is the digital backbone of the project, while Trimble Connect for HoloLens is the bridge that fully connects the project data directly to the field, so users can explore and interact with their BIM data at scale – empowering quick, informed decisions.
What types of safety features are included in XR10? The XR10 is a HoloLens-based solution purpose-built for workers in safety-controlled and harsh environments. The XR10 device snaps directly into a standard hardhat and allows the user to flip the visor up-and-down only when needed. The solution has been certified for hardhat impact protection, electrical protection, safety glass basic impact protection, and intrinsic safety in all major markets. We’ve also improved the drop-resistance of the device and integrated an innovative 2-way bone-conduction audio system that enables hands-free communication across a site. The bone-conduction system delivers a layer of digital audio content directly to the inner ear while leaving the ears free to receive audio from the physical world or to be protected by earplugs or earmuffs. The XR10 introduces all of these advanced features to front-line workers without compromising on safety or compatibility with standard safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, or other personal protective equipment (PPE). Is the XR10 in the cloud and does it work disconnectedly also? The XR10 runs the Windows 10 Holographic OS and can be driven by all of the same software packages as the standard HoloLens 2 device. It can operate with or without connectivity, though this depends on the software package. The Trimble Connect for HoloLens solution runs through the cloud to enable seamless real-time communication between the office and field. Full offline syncing is not yet supported, though models can be pre-downloaded in the office to reduce the need for high bandwidth on site. What is Mobilus mobiWAN bone-conduction audio headset and how does it differ from others? Early in our development of the XR10, we identified that enabling crisp two-way communication was imperative to providing a proper mixed reality experience. Mixed reality is more than just visualizing and interacting with holograms; it is about providing an immersive experience to a user such that their digital data feels as real as the physical environment around them. Providing this immersive audio provides users a tactile interaction with their data and HoloLens’ personal assistant, Cortana, as well as provides advanced capabilities such as remote assistance. However, providing this type of 2-way audio in very loud environments is not an easy task. Mobilus are industry leaders in creating bone-conduction audio systems that are purpose-built for these types of environments. The mobiWAN, custom-built for the XR10, clicks into the suspension of the hardhat and presses two small transducers to the head, just behind the ear. The result is a “magic effect” of audio reception while the ears are left free or to use earplugs or over-ear protection. With no hearing protection, audio output from the headset is recognizable up to 65 dB (~car engine). With earplugs in, audio output is audible up to a staggering 115 dB ambient (~rock concert). In conjunction with HoloLens 2’s built-in microphone array, the XR10 is capable of 2-way audio up to 90 dB, further cementing Trimble’s commitment to enabling mixed reality for front line construction workers. Are these products agnostic as to what 3D models or BIM they will accept? The Trimble Connect platform, and thus the Trimble Connect for HoloLens application, are data source agnostic. A full list of supported formats can be found here. What level of expertise do users need to use and benefit from these tools? The Trimble XR10 with HoloLens 2 and Trimble Connect for HoloLens solutions are built to be instinctual; a user should be able to pick them up and understand how to interact immediately. In a true mixed reality experience, the user’s interaction with the data should be similar to their interaction with a physical object in the real world. Interacting with a menu or hologram is as simple as reaching out and touching or tapping on it. We find that users are able to operate the device and gain a basic understanding of the gestures within 5 minutes and can become proficient in the application’s workflows within two hours of training. _______________________________________________________________ Tags: 3D, AEC, architects, architecture, BIM, building, building design, building information modeling, collaboration, construction, engineering, mobile, point clouds, reality capture, Trimble, visualization Categories: 2D, 3D, AEC, AECCafe, BIM, building information modeling, civil information modeling, collaboration, construction, construction project management, engineering, field, field solutions, integrated project delivery, point clouds, project management, reality capture, sustainable design, terrain, Trimble, video, virtual reality, visualization, wearable devices |
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