The architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) segment have emerged as a primary focus area for VR collaboration providers.
IrisVR is 2014 founded company that provides AEC professionals with a VR platform in which to review BIM files, make iterations, finalise designs, and complete projects with minimal errors.
The company has had five funding rounds to date, picking up $4 million in its last one in 2019. In the same year, IrisVR also won the Technological Innovation of the Year title by the New York City Construction Awards (NYCCAs), firmly establishing the company as a leader in this space.
So, how does the IrisVR platform stand out in the rapidly growing VR for the AEC market? Let us review some of the key features in more detail.
What are the Key Features of IrisVR?
IrisVR is a headset-enabled platform that lets you open and edit 3D files in popular formats like Navisworks, Revit, Rhino, etc. Its biggest USP is that you get a full spatial understanding of the BIM file in a manner that is not possible in a traditional, 2D rendering.
Native file integrations
IrisVR ships with prebuilt file integrations for Navisworks, Revit, Rhino and SketchUp. These are available as a direct plug-in and the data-rich integrations automatically recreate element-level metadata in a virtual reality environment. File geometry, object properties, materials and viewpoints, layers, and link files (if any) are recreated losslessly by IrisVR.
Headset support and hardware prerequisites
IrisVR works with most popular headsets today, including the Oculus and the Vive product families. Apart from this, it also works with windows mixed reality devices such as Dell Visor, Lenovo Explorer, Samsung Odyssey, etc.
Unlike some of its competitors, however, IrisVR does not work as a standalone experience and you’ll need to plug into a Windows desktop setup to review files in VR.
Multi-user meetings
IrisVR is purpose-built for multi-participant meetings for reviewing BIM files. We could imagine use cases like pitching a new project to a client, getting approvals from regulators, auditing previous projects, and lots more. Users are rendered in stylised avatars with a name tag for identification, and they can teleport freely through the VR workspace. They can even add spatially aware annotations, flag design elements, or toggle geometry layers for a fully interactive experience.
Design walkthroughs
There is a feature that allows a meeting host to guide meeting participants across a walkthrough of their 3D model files. The host teleports participants into the design, but do keep in mind that users need local file access to participate.
What are the Benefits of Using IrisVR?
IrisVR is a battle-tested technology, used by AEC companies in 105+ companies. This ensures that you get a reliable solution for your business use case, one that is compatible with a variety of hardware setups. The ability to teleport into building designs takes hands-on collaborations into a whole new level, measurably increasing your chances of project success.
How Much Does It Cost?
IrisVR is available in three versions – $225 per month for individuals, $350 per month for teams, and you’d have to contact the company for a custom enterprise solution.
