Hexagon unveils new construction technology solutions
15 June 2023
Hexagon Geosystems division has launched a number of construction technology solutions at its Hexagon Live event in Las Vegas, US, including a new cloud-based software to visualise, federate and help control project data, a Reality Cloud Studio and a partnership to further advance its reality capture solutions.
The new cloud-based software – called AEC Project Viewer – is based on BIM. It connects model, schedule, and document management processes within one cloud solution to improve visibility, collaboration, and communication. Hexagon says it supports the transition from 3D models to 5D construction management by adding time and cost insights.
“To visualise progress and identify changes, AEC Project Viewer can serve as a single pane of glass for office and field teams. Design or schedule updates are effectively visualised to ensure that they are easily understood and actionable for project stakeholders and team members,” said Kevin Holmes, VP, Building Solutions, at Hexagon’s Geosystems division.
“Our cloud solution will enable construction companies of all sizes to take an important step towards BIM-based construction processes.”
At the event Hexagon AB launched Reality Cloud Studio, powered by HxDR (Hexagon Digital Reality). The SaaS application is said to make reality capture data accessible and combines advanced Hexagon technologies with high levels of automation to make data processing simple-to-use.
Users upload reality capture data to the cloud for automated processing, storing and visualisation to create photorealistic digital twins, and to share data quickly and securely. These functions enable fast extraction of vital information from reality capture data and make it readily available to stakeholders in any industry.
Reality Cloud Studio can be accessed from any computer or mobile device with a web browser. Users in the field can upload data directly from compatible reality sensors to create registered and meshed digital twins for use on-site, all with a few taps on a smartphone or tablet.
“We are at a point in reality capture where a unified, scalable and simplified digital reality experience is necessary to make digital twins and their value accessible to everyone,” said Thomas Harring, President, Hexagon’s Geosystems division. “Reality Cloud Studio provides a space where anyone can access and build digital twins and share their vital information, using valuable communication tools that bring people and data together in a centralised space for digital reality.”
The company also announced a partnership with Sony Semiconductor Solutions Corporation (Sony), the global leader in image sensors, to further advance its reality capture solutions, including the Leica BLK product family. Through this collaboration, Hexagon will integrate Sony’s advanced Time-of-Flight image sensor and software technologies to enhance the speed and accuracy of its reality capture solutions.
The collaboration between Hexagon and Sony will deliver a data capture and processing workflow, reducing the time between capturing and delivering results. By combining Sony’s advanced processing software library with Hexagon’s reality capture capabilities, the companies will develop solutions that provide faster feedback in-field and more complete data capture competencies.
Already engaged in the first step of the partnership, Hexagon will integrate Sony’s capabilities into the development of the new Leica BLK2GO PULSE, a handheld reality capture device.