Reality capture has proven a useful tool across a variety of disciplines, from capturing as-built conditions, to progress monitoring, and even detailed inspections. Reality capture technologies have also enabled applications that are contributing towards increased safety and accessibility for the disabled. The efficiencies enabled by reality capture have allowed for projects that would have been manual work previously – for example, inventorying curb types or intersection conditions – that can now be completed with mobile mapping and analyzed with autonomous tools. The case studies in this session will showcase the efforts to enable better, more accessible city infrastructure and provide more equitable opportunities for all of its citizens.
Accessible Mixed Reality Applications to Reduce Rework – a Public/Private Partnership
In this presentation we’ll discuss how the NeARabl project spun out from academia into the marketplace following 5 years of R&D at an academic research lab and its current state and next steps. Joined by one of our earliest clients, we’ll discuss best practices for deploying mixed reality on site.
Originally tasked with creating a minimally infrastructure invasive indoor navigation system for visually impaired individuals, the project found the technology to have additional benefits to property and facility managers. Â While lack of adequate indoor navigation was a nuisance for visitors, especially in places with high human traffic such as event spaces and transportation hubs, the team realized a more frequent use case was 3d visualization for 3rd party maintenance workers, who not only needed to know where to go, but also what to do (or not to do when they got there). Nearabl’s computer vision AI visualizes the location of mechanical/electrical/plumbing layouts on webXR, meaning it works on any smartphone browser and there is no app download required, all a user has to do is scan a QR code.
NeARabl is currently deployed at over 60 sites throughout new york state, and it has gone multiple product iterations to achieve usability and product market fit. Â The current product offering includes mobile native applications and a digital twin integration with Bentley Systems iTwin.
Arber Ruci, NeARabl Inc
Can Reality Capture Shape an Inclusive Future?
Take a journey with me to uncover the untapped potential of reality capture in addressing immediate accessibility needs for individuals with disabilities. While reality capture is often associated with cutting-edge applications in various industries, its simplicity and effectiveness in making a tangible impact on people’s lives are often overlooked. Drawing from personal experiences and a deep understanding of the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities, we shine a spotlight on how reality capture can break down physical accessibility barriers in buildings, ensuring that those in need are not left behind.
Mike Russalesi, Synergy360
