The future of virtual reality in engineering

Visualisation services are a widely-used tool in the delivery of engineering design. From the use of visual imagery and photomontages in public consultations, to the insight 4D construction sequencing provides at the planning stage, visualisations have a strong impact and a recognised value.

With the established reputation visualisation now holds comes the inevitable questions: What’s next? What can we do better? What can we do to be competitive? At D2 Rail, we have a forward-thinking team identifying gaps in the market, looking at what technology is making an impact on our industry and how it can be utilised to create value for our clients. To do so, we must ensure that not only are we making use of modern technology, but that we are also choosing the correct technology for our client’s needs.

A prime example of this can be seen in the introduction of virtual reality (VR). This technology holds an array of benefits for users, such as the ability to immerse themselves in a virtual environment and interact with it, creating new and refreshing ways to interact with information.

VR headsets like the HTC Vive have helped to further advance visualisations, allowing us to add interactive elements to our immersive environments, giving clients the ability to be truly hands on with their projects in a virtual world. This technology has also become an invaluable asset in public consultations and in on-site training material.

At D2 Rail, we are always looking to the future, seeking the innovative technology to keep us at the forefront of engineering design. As our journey continues, we aim to foster innovative and creative ways to continue to impact the industry, with VR and visualisations as a starting point.