Trimble announced its Trimble Connect for HoloLens and a new hard hat solution for Microsoft HoloLens that improves the utility of mixed reality for practical field applications.

The announcement was made recently at the AHR Expo and World of Concrete trade shows.

"With the rise in acceptance for mixed-reality solutions in business today, the need for 3D visualization outside the office is driving this next wave of Trimble innovation," said Aviad Almagor, director of Trimble's Mixed-Reality Program. "We are expanding the opportunities for implementation of mixed reality in a broad range of industries."

Trimble Connect for HoloLens is a mixed-reality solution that improves coordination by combining models from multiple stakeholders such as structural, mechanical and electrical trade partners. The solution provides for precise alignment of holographic data on a 1:1 scale on the job site, to review models in the context of the physical environment.

Predefined views from Trimble Connect further simplify in-field use with quick and easy access to immersive visualizations of 3D data. Users can leverage mixed reality for training purposes and to compare plans against work completed. Advanced visualization further enables users to view assigned tasks and capture data with onsite measurement tools.

"Trimble Connect for HoloLens enables us to go beyond the constraints of a 2D screen," said Olivier Pellegrin, BIM manager, GA Smart Building, a beta user of Trimble Connect for HoloLens. "Superimposing the digital model on the physical environment provides a clear understanding of the relations between the 3D design model and the actual work on a jobsite."

Trimble's Hard Hat Solution for Microsoft HoloLens extends the benefits of HoloLens mixed reality into areas where increased safety requirements are mandated, such as construction sites, offshore facilities and mining projects. The solution, which is ANSI-approved, integrates the HoloLens holographic computer with an industry-standard hard hat.

Enabling optimal placement for viewing 3D data in field applications, the hard hat solution was developed in collaboration with Microsoft to ensure a seamless connection between HoloLens and hard hat while maintaining the HoloLens warranty. Complete with MSA V-Gard hard hat, suspension system and quick-release accessory clips this is the only Microsoft-endorsed hard hat solution for HoloLens.

Trimble Connect for HoloLens is available now through the Microsoft Windows App Store. A free trial option is available enabling integration with HoloLens. Paid subscriptions support premium functionality allowing for precise on-site alignment and collaboration. Trimble's Hard Hat Solution for HoloLens is expected to be available in the first quarter of 2018. To learn more, visit:  http://mixedreality.trimble.com.