Bentley, Microsoft collaborate on SYNCHRO XR

Written by William C. Vantuono, Editor-in-Chief
image description

Microsoft HoloLens 2.

Bentley Systems Inc., a leading global provider of infrastructure design, construction and operations software, has introduced SYNCHRO XR, described as “an app for immersively visualizing 4D construction digital twins with Microsoft’s new HoloLens 2,” a self-contained holographic computer that enables hands-free, heads-up interaction with digital models.

Bentley, working with Microsoft as a Mixed Reality Partner in AEC (architecture, engineering and construction) industry initiatives, says SYNCHRO XR for HoloLens 2 users “can interact collaboratively with digital construction models using intuitive gestures to plan, visualize and experience construction sequencing. Project digital twin data is visualized with the HoloLens 2 via Bentley’s connected data environment, powered by Microsoft Azure. With the mixed reality solution, construction managers, project schedulers, owner-operators and other project stakeholders can gain insights through immersive visualization into planned work, construction progress, potential site risks and safety requirements. Additionally, users can interact with the model together and collaboratively experience 4D objects in space and time, as opposed to traditional interaction with a 2D screen depicting 3D objects.”

“Our SYNCHRO XR app for HoloLens 2 provides a totally new way to interact with digital twins for infrastructure projects,” said Bentley Systems Senior Vice president Project Delivery Noah Eckhouse. “Users benefit from a new perspective on the design and a deeper, more immediate understanding of the work and project schedule. Instead of using a 2D screen with a mouse and keyboard, the user can now walk around the model with their body and reach out and grab digital objects that appear to co-occupy physical reality. This is a powerful way to review work that is completed and to prepare for upcoming work at the jobsite.”

Tags: ,