Vuzix Corp., supplier of smart glasses and augmented reality technology, today announced a development for construction processes across Europe that’s compatible with Topcon Positioning Group’s Magnet software suite, which provides hands-free usage for onsite workers.

Using AR smart glasses, construction workers and contractors can more readily access and identify positioning data with greater accuracy without needing to carry around extra materials.

Onsite surveyors and engineers can benefit from smart glasses in this manner by giving them a “heads-up” display instead of using “heads-down” methods such as looking down at a tablet or the pages of a manual or binder. The Vuzix safety-rated smart glasses also help to work safely and increase situational awareness as a result.

“Vuzix smart glasses are being used worldwide in a variety of industries and use cases,” said Paul Travers, president and chief executive officer of Vuzix. “Topcon’s recognition that our smart glasses can provide measurable benefits to the construction and surveying markets is great. Smart glasses combined with Topcon’s Magnet software are aiding onsite productivity and keeping projects on schedule and within budget.”

New COVID-19 requirements have caused slowdowns in construction and caused a need to change how contractors, engineer, and surveyors do their work. As a result, there’s an increased need for hands-free work – and that’s where AR can step in and take a role.

According to research from MarketsAndMarkets, the European construction industry is forecast to be a $2.8 trillion market by 2023. That same market was expanding rapidly before the epidemic and now the industry is also quickly adopting new technology to adapt to the changing situation.

Topcon’s software new compatibility with Vuzix’s smart glasses provides digital engineers, surveyors, contractors, layout personnel and onsite building information modeling technicians with enhanced abilities that they did not have before and offers cost savings. It does this by providing visual aids through the smart glass lenses and enabling control of instruments via voice commands.

This combination of technology allows users a hands-free experience that also permits precision of layout and measurement on a job site, increasing accuracy, lowering errors and increasing productivity.

“This new compatibility with Vuzix smart glasses represents the next generation of surveying equipment in the European market,” said Adam Box, business development manager of Vertical Construction at Topcon Positioning Group. “Coupling this advanced technology with our already popular Magnet software suite means that enhanced productivity, efficiency and reduced costs can become a reality on many projects across the region. This is key at this point in time when much of the industry is looking to accelerate economic recovery following the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.”

Image: Vuzix