The Approach

Recognizing that over 80% of inspections passed on the first attempt, the EPC firm saw potential in using HoloLens to target traditional inspections only on failures, thereby optimizing expenditure. However, extensive testing was necessary, and partnerships with vendors and commitments from inspection agencies were critical before investments could be justified.

Initially, the inspection agency expressed hesitancy. To address this, the consultant worked closely with Microsoft, Visual Live (the software provider), and the EPC firm. Detailed obstacles for scaling the HoloLens solution were identified through hands-on testing and fieldwork. During the initial months, the consultant traveled to various facilities to conduct HoloLens inspections alongside traditional methods to validate the technology’s effectiveness.

Key challenges identified included:

• Virtual shifting and alignment issues between design models and physical as-built models.
• Bandwidth limitations at inspection sites.
• Sensor issues in bright light or outdoor environments.
• Battery life and health and safety concerns due to the device’s weight and wear time.
• Environmental and situational awareness constraints.

The consultant documented these challenges and developed a best practice guide, which later proved valuable during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, scaling remained costly, and the training curve was steep for the intended inspector demographic. Questions arose regarding ongoing support and maintenance responsibilities, raising concerns about IT, operations, and head office roles.