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ssues plaguing the construction industry, such as delays in project completion and structural defects, can be overcome with the adoption of immersive technology.
Experts believe that immersive technology platforms like virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR) and mixed reality (MR) can address challenges currently experienced by industry players using conventional building methods.
They also assert that complementing immersive technology with Building Information Modelling (BIM) – an intelligent, 3-D model-based tool already being used by some developers to provide a digital representation of a building’s physical and functional aspects – can significantly transform the construction industry, particularly in terms of cost, quality, productivity and safety.
To promote digital technology adoption in the industry, the Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) has implemented various initiatives under its Construction 4.0 Strategic Plan (2021-2025). However, according to reports, its adoption among industry players remains limited.
CHANGING WORK METHODS
Senior lecturer at the Faculty of Technology Management and Business, Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (UTHM), Dr Mohd Hilmi Izwan Abd Rahim described immersive technology as a technology that creates interactive experiences by combining real and virtual elements in a digital environment.
“The use of immersive technology throughout a (construction) project’s lifecycle, from design to visualisation of the completed project, can help identify various potential issues that may arise during or after construction,” he told Bernama.
Pointing to VR and AR as examples, he explained these technologies translate ideas into virtual models, allowing stakeholders to detect design flaws and other issues.
“VR and AR can help give ideas with regard to the structure or design of a building that we want (through a computer system)… once the design is finalised, it can then be translated into a physical structure on-site,” he said.
With manual or conventional methods, errors may arise due to mistakes in the design, whereas immersive technology allows for the creation of simulations or building images that resemble the real structure, he said.
“This allows us to review and assess the structure thoroughly to avoid making any error,” he said, adding this approach also accelerates decision-making as all stakeholders can better understand the project through visualisations or 3-D elements.
POSITIVE IMPACT
Mohd Hilmi Izwan also said widespread adoption of immersive technology can lead to sustainable development, which can yield positive benefits for local communities.
“As a result of this technological revolution, the entire development process can be visualised. This allows stakeholders to focus on energy efficiency and conservation of resources as well as fostering healthier living environments.
“This includes considering the needs of residents, such as allowing natural lighting in buildings, and providing public spaces that encourage social interaction and buildings that have more comfortable and liveable designs, especially for the elderly and children,” he said.
The use of immersive technology can also facilitate better and more structured urban planning, particularly in terms of infrastructure and public amenities, he added.
NOT WIDELY ADOPTED YET
Meanwhile, Associate Prof Dr Md Asrul Nasid Masrom, a researcher at UTHM’s Centre of Sustainable Infrastructure and Environmental Management, said the adoption of digital technology in Malaysia’s construction industry has not been all that wide despite the various incentives provided by the government.
“Based on the Construction Industry Transformation Programme (CITP) 2016-2020 report, although many companies have begun using digital technologies like BIM, the adoption of immersive technology is still not widespread in the country,” he said.
He said through its Construction 4.0 Strategic Plan, CIDB aims to introduce new technologies such as automation, robotics, the Internet of Things (IoT) and immersive technology to the construction sector, which aligns with the government’s vision of enhancing industry competitiveness through the use of cutting-edge technology.
“However, CIDB’s studies and surveys show that awareness of immersive technology among Malaysian construction companies remains at a moderate level.”
In fact, as Md Asrul Nasid pointed out, even BIM usage in Malaysia is still unsatisfactory, with only 13.5 percent of construction companies having actively implemented BIM as of 2020. BIM also incorporates some immersive technology elements.
“These figures suggest that while awareness of digital technologies is increasing, full adoption of immersive technologies like VR and AR is still in its early stages,” he said.
CIDB, quoting the State of Digital Adoption in the Construction Industry 2024 report by Autodesk and Deloitte, has previously said that Malaysia ranked second among six Asia-Pacific countries – including Japan, Singapore and Australia – in digital technology adoption in the construction industry.
CIDB noted that this aligns with Malaysia’s focus on integrating advanced technology into conventional construction practices. The report also revealed that 23 percent of Malaysian construction firms’ budgets are allocated to the implementation of new technologies.
CONSTRAINTS
Md Asrul Nasid, meanwhile, identified high equipment costs and a lack of skilled labour as key barriers preventing the widespread use of immersive technology in Malaysia’s construction industry.
This issue is particularly prevalent among small and medium-sized construction firms, which face financial constraints and a lack of digital knowledge and expertise.
“The push for immersive technology adoption is not just a challenge in Malaysia but also abroad. Currently, the University of Melbourne (Australia) and Cambridge University (England) are actively researching immersive technology while offering specialised courses and collaborating with industry players to enhance its adoption,” he said, adding in Malaysia, the private and public sectors, including agencies related to construction and technology, could collaborate to build a robust platform and ecosystem for immersive technology development.
He acknowledged that the government has started promoting digital technology adoption in the industry by providing incentives such as grants for companies investing in digital and immersive technologies.
“In an increasingly sophisticated and fast-paced world, immersive technology’s ability to create interactive and realistic experiences has become one of the biggest forces in revolutionising the construction industry. However, these efforts will remain a mere aspiration unless there is collective commitment from all stakeholders,” he added.
-- BERNAMA
