Vrex
Country of application:
Norway
Scope of innovation
☐ Office work
☒ Production / Service supply process
Sector-specific
☒ Yes / please, specify sector(s): agriculture, engineering, construction, etc.
☐ No (relevant for all sectors)
Description of the needs
The rapid evolution of the construction industry has created a demand for more integrated, efficient, and collaborative solutions. In the realm of construction, the ability to visualize, interact with, and discuss a project’s complexities long before the first brick is laid is invaluable. Historically, professionals in the sector had to rely on two-dimensional blueprints, sketches, and later, computer-aided designs. While these methods conveyed information, they lacked the immersive depth and interactive capability necessary for a holistic understanding of the project. Moreover, site visits were constrained by logistical challenges and could only provide insights when most of the construction was in place.
Within this context, Vrex emerges as a pivotal innovation addressing these growing needs. This technology bridges the gap between conceptualization and realization. Offering a three-dimensional, virtual representation of a construction site, Vrex facilitates early-stage virtual site visits. This proactive approach enables stakeholders to foresee potential challenges, thereby preventing costly modifications at later stages. An early intervention capability not only saves resources but also streamlines the project’s timeline.
Furthermore, the construction process is a mix of insights from architects, engineers, contractors, clients, and many other stakeholders. Effective collaboration among these diverse professionals is vital for the project’s success. Vrex’s immersive environment fosters this collaboration by providing a platform where all these voices can be heard, and their perspectives visualized. This collective insight reduces misunderstandings and misalignments, which are common pain points in traditional construction processes.
Another significant aspect is accessibility. In an increasingly globalized world, project stakeholders are often dispersed across different geographies. Physical site visits, though crucial, are both time-consuming and expensive. Vrex overcomes this challenge, allowing stakeholders to virtually ‘walk’ through the construction site from any corner of the world. This global access ensures timely feedback, comprehensive oversight, and a collaborative spirit, irrespective of distance.
Safety, too, is a paramount concern in construction. Virtual site visits mitigate risks associated with on-site accidents during inspections, particularly in the early stages when potential hazards might not be adequately addressed.
In summary, the need for Vrex stems from an industry-wide demand for greater efficiency, collaboration, and foresight. By addressing these needs, Vrex underscores its importance, proving itself to be more than just another technological tool but a transformative solution for modern construction.
Description of the solution
VREX technology
In construction, multi-user VR such as the Vrex platform, is an emerging technology that allows for enhanced collaboration in the construction industry. Essentially, Vrex offers a way to conduct virtual site visits during the early stages of a project, when making changes is still cost-effective. Traditional site visits are important for detecting issues in construction, allowing team members to get a sense of space, visually assess progress, and communicate effectively. However, by the time a site visit is possible, it is often too late or too expensive to make significant changes. This could lead to expensive rework, delays, or even having to accept a less than ideal outcome for а building for many years. Vrex aims to solve this issue by enabling virtual site visits from the planning stages of the project. These virtual visits are akin to actual site visits. Participants can walk through the digital models, see, and hear each other, and discuss potential challenges and solutions in an intuitive virtual environment. This approach is inclusive, allowing anyone, regardless of their role or professional background, to understand and contribute to the discussion. The goal is to identify problems, discuss challenges, and make informed decisions early on to prevent costly changes later.
The process of using Vrex is straightforward. First, the model owners upload the project’s models to Vrex, which makes them available for virtual visits to the rest of the team and stakeholders. Anyone who has a stake or input in the project can then review the models intuitively, either individually or as a group, from anywhere and at any time. They can then provide essential feedback before construction begins, either through formal issue tracking, change orders, or simply by sending images via email.
Adding models to Vrex is easy. 3D models from CAD tools can be uploaded to one of the many common data environments (CDEs) that Vrex integrates with, and they will be automatically synchronized. If the customer does not have a CDE, he can drop his models directly from his CAD tools. Vrex supports a wide range of file formats, including 3D point cloud scans. Thus, it offers a flexible user experience. If he has a VR headset, he can enjoy a fully immersive experience. However, even without VR equipment, it is still possible to participate using a regular screen on a laptop or in a meeting room. No matter how he participate, he can fully interact with others and the virtual environment.
For a site visit for example, the team logs into Vrex and arrives at the virtual site at the scheduled time. Once there, they navigate through the digital model as they would in a Teams or Zoom meeting. The team leader opens the issue list and guides the group to different locations, discussing and recording issues as they are found. These can range from a ventilation segment blocking a pathway to a door being blocked by pipes, or even discrepancies between the physical construction site and the original plan, such as an incorrectly placed drain. All these issues are recorded in the system and can be addressed before they become more significant problems. Overall, Vrex offers an efficient way to facilitate virtual site visits. It comes with an admin panel accessible via a web browser for project or BIM managers, making it easy to manage the entire process.
How Vrex works
Begin by creating a project and seamlessly incorporating 3D models or 3D scans. These models or Point Cloud scans may be added to the project in a way that perfectly aligns with the workflow. Vrex’ extensive range of integrations ensures that managing the project becomes effortless. It is possible to upload files manually, or you can easily connect Vrex with popular platforms such as Navisworks, Bim360, Bimsync, BIM Track, StreamBIM, Aconex, or buildagil. Once Vrex is connected with any of these integrations, it is possible to keep the models up to date with a simple click of a button. Creating a project, adding models, and inviting project members are all it takes to embark on virtual site reviews for projects. The process is designed to be smooth and straightforward to get started right away. Moreover, it is possible to effortlessly invite colleagues, stakeholders, or partners to grant them access to any project. For external collaborators, there is the option to provide temporary access through a secure room key, ensuring a controlled and secure sharing process. Vrex seamlessly integrates with a wide range of authoring software, allowing for efficient and user-friendly workflows. Whether through direct data-exchange or integrated connections, the software ensures smooth collaboration and streamlined processes.
Performing Quality Control/Quality Assurance (QC/QA) activities becomes seamless by integrating BIM-models and point clouds in VR. This approach simplifies visual inspections, ensuring that everyone involved comprehends and contributes to the quality assurance of the construction project. For rehabilitation projects, instant access to view the solution in a 1:1 scale is provided to clients, installers, stakeholders, and sub-contractors. This immersive experience aids project teams in better understanding the context and proposed solutions while facilitating easier project access and collaboration. Getting started with Vrex is incredibly user-friendly. In just a few minutes, virtual meetings can be conducted within projects, combining 3D-models and point clouds to enhance communication and streamline collaboration efforts. The utilization of Vrex is continually evolving as their users explore innovative applications of VR technology every day.
Different ways to use Vrex
Customers have diverse ways of implementing Vrex into their projects. They can step into the model using their personal virtual reality setup, which offers the most impactful and revolutionary way of experiencing 3D models, providing an intuitive understanding for everyone involved. Vrex makes it easy to involve users without any prior experience in BIM, CAD, or VR. The software provides tools that facilitate structured group meetings. Participants can join Vrex sessions using shared setups from meeting rooms, whether they have a VR setup or not. They can share a VR headset or follow along from a regular screen, getting a unique perspective of the models.
During these sessions, everyone can see, hear, and communicate with each other. Vrex offers features to draw attention to specific aspects of the model for discussion. Even without dedicated VR equipment, participants can comfortably join from their own laptops. They have the option to follow others’ views or navigate freely using all of Vrex’s functionalities. Group VR sessions prove valuable for involving owners, end-users, or regulatory agencies. It’s an easy way to share the VR experience with those who might not have access to VR equipment themselves.
Thus, Vrex lets people view 3D content with others from anywhere, anytime. Here is how customers can use it:
VREX Pro: Use a computer to lead VREX meetings and dive deep into 3D data with an immersive VR headset. This offers a top-tier experience without limits.
VREX Go: For those who want easy VR without a PC, this stand-alone version is perfect. Share it with team members or others, and they can jump in using user-friendly VR devices without a computer.
VREX Cloud: Get the best of both with this version. Experience VREX through easy-to-use mobile VR devices without needing a computer. It’s powered by the cloud, offering vast flexibility.
The tech behind VREX ensures everyone can join in, whether they are at a computer, using a standalone VR device, or just watching on a regular screen. It is about making 3D collaboration easy and inclusive for everyone.
Description of the effect
VIXEL is committed to uniting teams in a global virtual workspace. The complex orchestration required for construction projects calls for precise coordination among various disciplines, ranging from architectural design to electrical and mechanical engineering, plumbing, construction labour, building inspections and meeting client demands. Streamlined communication is the key to project success.
While VR provides a robust 3D visualisation of projects, Vrex enhances this by offering a virtual meeting space. When registering with Vrex, it is possible to acquire a service and a virtual workspace where projects can be managed, models may be added, team member access can be governed, and the complete benefits of VR may be leveraged. Following are some of the effects of Vrex:
• Improved Communication: Enabling stakeholders to explore concepts in a virtual environment is not only more engaging than a PowerPoint slideshow, but it also effectively communicates the essence of each design element. Visualize leading a client on a pre-construction tour of the facility. Any changes or adjustments requested by the client can be effectively communicated, with unlimited walkthroughs possible for final approval. Vrex provides a platform for all construction project participants to engage in group VR sessions. Even without VR equipment, project members can partake in the group sessions using their laptops, allowing different specialists to work on their respective aspects and contribute in real-time. All feedback and adjustments can be recorded directly within Vrex, ensuring nothing is overlooked, effectively bringing ideas to life. Thus, socially, Vrex may enhance worker satisfaction by eliminating the hassles associated with sluggish processes, suboptimal decision-making, and restless nights.
• Faster Decision Making: Decision-making processes are often extended due to lack of understanding, which leads to insecurity among decision makers. VR enables a thorough preview of all elements before a physical site visit, so preliminary tasks can be assigned, and construction can commence immediately. With VR, clients can see the future implications of any additions, facilitating careful decision-making. Vrex focuses on interactive sessions and collaboration, allowing for quick testing and conclusion of re-evaluations.
• Superior end result: Continuous interaction among all stakeholders, on-site professionals and end-users ensures that the project outcome will be successful. Collaborative teamwork may eliminate uncertainties, as Vrex allows for immediate feedback at any stage of construction. For certain construction projects, stakeholders can collect invaluable data by inviting potential end-users to explore and provide feedback on building models. The use of VR before and during construction, along with predicting project outcomes, results in greater return on investment, enhanced communication, cost savings, smoother workflows, and superior end results.
• Early error detection saves money: Construction processes often involve waste, whether it is funds spent on unnecessary materials or costs associated with rectifying mistakes. As many professionals contribute to a project from design to construction, errors are almost inevitable, and can be costly to fix if the project is far along. Regular virtual inspections of the project can allow irregularities to be identified and rectified before construction starts. VR can provide intricate details for roofing, wiring, drainage systems, foundations, fixtures, etc. With this information accessible at all times, costs can be saved on surplus materials, and feasibility assessments can identify issues early on. From an environmental perspective, it thus fosters more sustainable projects by compressing the construction timeline and curbing on-site waste.
• Reduced Travel: Typically, managers, supervisors, representatives, or stakeholders periodically visit the site to monitor project progress. This is not only expensive, but also time-consuming for those involved in multiple projects. Vrex allows key professionals and building owners to inspect the site without having to be physically present. If a problem arises during construction, work do not need to halt while awaiting a supervisor’s inspection. They can check the site using VR equipment and recommend solutions without leaving their location, saving not just costs but also valuable project time.
Company/companies that developed/implemented/offer the innovation
VIXEL AS
Vrex is a product of the company officially known as “VIXEL AS”, but to simplify communication among users and prospective customers, VIXEL operate under the registered trademark “Vrex”, which is the name of their service.
VIXEL AS was founded in 2014 by James Bond veteran Rune Vandli. After working on Disney and James Bond productions for several production companies in the London area, including Black Rock Studios and Walt Disney Interactive, he returned from abroad. His job involved bringing engineers’ 3D models of buildings and environments onto new technology platforms, including virtual reality. Back in Norway, Vandli saw an opportunity to save time and money for the Norwegian construction industry. Since then, VIXEL has worked to position itself with customers. Bosch, Schlumberger, Bouygues, Skanska, Norconsult, and AF Gruppen are among the companies that use Vrex. VIXEL offices are located in Innlandet, Norway, an area internationally recognized for hosting the 1994 Olympics. They are situated in the city that houses the largest university in Norway, NTNU (Norwegian University of Science and Technology). Known for its world-leading programs in Cyber Security and software development, NTNU is the educational institution of all Vrex founders and most of its employees. In collaboration with Stanford University, NTNU annually certifies VDC (Virtual Design and Construction) managers, reflecting the strong emphasis on BIM (Building Information Modelling) within the country. VIXEL aspire to become akin to Zoom for BIM (Building Information Modelling) systems, which are information systems for buildings and properties.
Contact
Rune Vandli
rune@vrex.no
Mobile: (+47) 98 88 60 64
Additional information