Augmented Reality and Mixed Reality Implementation Status Survey in the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction Industry: Benefits, Limitations, and Future Directions

Abstract

Augmented reality (AR) and mixed reality (MR) technologies are obtaining increasing research efforts in architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) fields. Contrary to the well-documented research progress, there is a lack of understanding regarding the practical performance of AR/MR technology in real-world construction projects. This paper aims to understand the industry’s perceptions of the current implementation status, benefits, and challenges of adopting AR/MR technology. To explore the growing number of construction projects with AR/MR implementation experiences, the authors conducted an online survey and collected 158 valid responses from industry professionals. The results show that although the technology is sufficiently mature to bring practical benefits to construction use cases, the most significant benefit of AR/MR adoption remains in the business development category. The study also reveals that management challenges, such as workflow modifications and the need for skilled employees, are more significant than technical challenges. Based on the survey findings, the authors recommend promising research directions to facilitate the industry implementation of AR/MR technology. This paper contributes to the body of knowledge by identifying the gap between AR/MR research efforts and the early-stage industry implementation experience, as well as prioritizing research topics for realizing the AR/MR implementation vision of the AEC research community. The paper also highlights discrepancies between users and nonusers and recommends areas of industry collaboration to facilitate the widespread AR/MR industry adoption.