Immersive Hybrid Reality iHR
Experts in construction and computer technology at Heriot-Watt University have developed a ground-breaking immersive hybrid reality (iHR) system which aims to take the danger out of extreme working conditions. The system enables users to experience work activities within realistic site conditions, such as working at extreme height, without facing real health and safety risks.
The iHR system, which is funded by the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB), uses state-of-the-art wearable computer systems and a specially-modified virtual reality (VR) headset to enable trainees to see, navigate and interact with real and virtual objects in a realistic working environment.
The iHR recently won a CIOB highly commended Innovation Award in the Innovation in Education and Training category.
The iHR system is hosted at Edinburgh College. The Energy Skills Partnership (ESP) and Fife College are also investing in an iHR pilot system for wind turbine training, in collaboration with the Offshore Renewable Energy Catapult. The pilot project mimics inspections on the top of wind turbines.
Dr Mohamed Abdel-Wahab from Heriot-Watt University said:
“The combination of real and virtual worlds provides trainees with a vivid, yet safe and realistic, experience of a jobsite. The iHR system could support the delivery of training in many areas of the energy, engineering and construction sectors. Indeed the application of iHR can enhance the quality of training provision.”
Dr Frédéric Bosché said:
“The system also delivered additional benefits in terms of engaging young people in STEM subjects in general, and energy, engineering and construction in particular. The team has developed a mobile version of the system (called MobiHR), that we have used to support our partner colleges in numerous Skills and Careers Fairs. Young people are excited about such new technologies, but would never associate them to industries like Construction that are often seen as anchored in old traditions, “not cool”. At those events, we believe our system helps inspire young people.
“From a technical viewpoint, our system delivers what we have called 'hybrid reality'. We use this term to differentiate its functionality from Augmented Reality (AR). In AR, the virtual content is always on top of the real views. In HR, the 3D structure of both worlds are accurately captured and merged so that if the user aims to put their hand beneath a virtual table, it will actually appear beneath the table (i.e. occluded by the table). Furthermore, the user can actually interact with virtual 3D objects. Traditional AR technology cannot deliver this.”
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
- 3D MOVE: Mobile Immersive Visualisation Environment.
- Assisted reality aR.
- Augmented reality in construction.
- Building information modelling.
- Construction drones.
- Digital Built Britain.
- Gravity Sketch.
- Integrated modelling, simulation and visualisation (MSV) for sustainable built healing environments (BHEs).
- Integrated systems.
- The Palimpsest.
- TruVision.
- Virtual reality and manufacturing.
- Virtual reality in construction.
- Visualisation.
- Wearable technology.
Featured articles and news
CLC and BSR process map for HRB approvals
One of the initial outputs of their weekly BSR meetings.
Building Safety Levy technical consultation response
Details of the planned levy now due in 2026.
Great British Energy install solar on school and NHS sites
200 schools and 200 NHS sites to get solar systems, as first project of the newly formed government initiative.
600 million for 60,000 more skilled construction workers
Announced by Treasury ahead of the Spring Statement.
The restoration of the novelist’s birthplace in Eastwood.
Life Critical Fire Safety External Wall System LCFS EWS
Breaking down what is meant by this now often used term.
PAC report on the Remediation of Dangerous Cladding
Recommendations on workforce, transparency, support, insurance, funding, fraud and mismanagement.
New towns, expanded settlements and housing delivery
Modular inquiry asks if new towns and expanded settlements are an effective means of delivering housing.
Building Engineering Business Survey Q1 2025
Survey shows growth remains flat as skill shortages and volatile pricing persist.
Construction contract awards remain buoyant
Infrastructure up but residential struggles.
Home builders call for suspension of Building Safety Levy
HBF with over 100 home builders write to the Chancellor.
CIOB Apprentice of the Year 2024/2025
CIOB names James Monk a quantity surveyor from Cambridge as the winner.
Warm Homes Plan and existing energy bill support policies
Breaking down what existing policies are and what they do.
Treasury responds to sector submission on Warm Homes
Trade associations call on Government to make good on manifesto pledge for the upgrading of 5 million homes.
A tour through Robotic Installation Systems for Elevators, Innovation Labs, MetaCore and PORT tech.
A dynamic brand built for impact stitched into BSRIA’s building fabric.
BS 9991:2024 and the recently published CLC advisory note
Fire safety in the design, management and use of residential buildings. Code of practice.