by Jeremy Wallin, Autodesk
Augmented reality (AR) is no longer a futuristic or aspirational technology; it is being used on job sites today to deliver construction projects faster, more efficiently, and more safely.
With increasingly complex projects, stricter legislative requirements, and heightened client demands, construction firms are under pressure to deliver exceptional results. Efficient building processes are more critical than ever, which means construction management must be as effective as possible. It is crucial for firms to optimise their processes and streamline collaboration to deliver projects on time and under budget.
Bringing AR onto large job sites
I was fortunate to participate in a panel discussion at Digital Construction Week titled How Kane Group transformed construction with augmented reality (AR). We discussed how a leading contractor is using AR and building information modelling (BIM) together to visualise and manage projects in real time and improve communication across project teams.
Kane Group is an established multi-disciplinary building services contractor employing about 250 people across its offices in Northern Ireland, London, Birmingham, Glasgow, and the Republic of Ireland. The company works with clients across Ireland and the UK to deliver residential, hospitality, education, commercial, and healthcare projects.
Gary Cowan, Head of Digital Construction at Kane Group, joined me on stage at DCW along with Caner Dolas, Co-Founder and CEO of GAMMA Technologies, to discuss how Kane Group transformed its approach to construction with AR as part of its broader commitment to digital transformation.
Transforming work with AR/BIM integration
Teams at Kane Group have been using the GAMMA AR platform on mobile devices and tablets to visualise mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) installations in real time. By using AR to visualise 3D BIM models on-site in this way, the platform has transformed how the company manages quality assurance, as-built verifications, and key project activities.
GAMMA AR is an innovative virtual design and construction (VDC) platform that overlays digital BIM models onto the physical construction environment. This allows Kane Group’s teams to compare intended designs against actual site conditions with high accuracy.
Gary highlighted how they have integrated GAMMA AR with Autodesk Construction Cloud. During our panel session, Gary shared many insights into the impact this integration has had on Kane Group’s project timelines and quality assurance. Across the job site, it has accelerated issue detection and resolution, boosted collaboration, and kept timelines on track.
Real-time measurements, clash detection, and automated progress tracking have proved particularly valuable for site supervisors and quality managers.
Multiple benefits on the job site
One standout feature is the ability to capture and document as-built conditions quickly and accurately. By comparing the virtual model against installed services, teams can verify installation accuracy and document any deviations—ensuring more precise as-built records.
On-site teams often work in tight spaces. Kane Group project teams use GAMMA AR alongside Autodesk Construction Cloud to carry out detailed quality assurance checks. They can identify potential coordination issues before they become costly problems.
The technology has proven especially valuable in complex, service-dense areas where multiple MEP systems must be coordinated into limited space.
Using the ‘golden thread’ of information contained in the group’s digital twins, the team can conduct accurate as-built verification and QA checks—ensuring minimal tolerance between the 3D BIM models and the final built assets.
DCW: An invaluable learning opportunity
Beyond our panel discussion, I found DCW to be an excellent forum to meet partners, customers, and industry leaders. It was a pleasure to speak with so many construction technology firms and learn how they are helping builders navigate complex processes.
There is no question that technology is transforming construction. It can help builders track progress, improve communication, reduce rework, and keep all stakeholders aligned throughout the project lifecycle.
I came away from DCW inspired and invigorated. I’m excited to see what’s next for construction technology over the coming year—and I look forward to connecting with more industry leaders at DCW 2026!