Virtual reality tool rehearses construction processes

Mott MacDonald has launched Rehearsive, a new virtual reality (VR) and desktop product that it claims helps users rehearse their construction and operational processes ahead of time, unlocking safer, buildable design.

Rehearsive allows infrastructure designers and operators to walk through construction scenarios with their team and delivery partners in VR and desktop, no matter their location. The launch follows a three-month beta test with 250 volunteers from across the UK infrastructure sector.

With access from a laptop computer or a VR headset, Rehearsive integrates with existing 3D workflows and BIM models, bringing together a range of knowledge and skills into one interactive, collaborative VR project environment.

Multiplayer delivers voice chat and a shared immersive experience, with remote collaboration helping deliver a more efficient and safer project, with potential carbon savings, Mott MacDonald claims.

Rehearsive is intended to add value to design review gateways by showing how decisions impact operations on site, enabling risks to be mitigated ahead of time.

Mott MacDonald claims users can realize potential savings of up to 15% on capital delivery budget. The system supports design for manufacture and assembly by providing a live, interactive environment where designers and contractors can rehearse different site-based delivery and assembly activities during the design stage.

Andrew Zhao, Mott MacDonald’s head of immersive technologies said: “Rehearsive allows users to make the most of opportunities created through remote working. With so many people currently working remotely, it is set to prove its worth even more by boosting productivity as the industry recovers.”