Melbourne-based immersive technology studio PHORIA has announced the world’s first AR Digital Twin partnership with Willow and Investa. The final product is a 33-storey skyscraper at Martin Place, Sydney NSW.

This project is set to become the cornerstone of spatial data visualisation and tech-smart environments in Australia.

PHORIA in collaboration with Investa and Willow developed an AR application that could align digital twin data with the real-world environment and enhance the available user experience.

“Our vision for the future is one empowered by spatial data and digital twins. As data persists in our physical world, Augmented Reality gives us fast access to layers of meaningful information,” PHORIA co-founder and chief executive Trent Clews-de Castella says.

“This newfound spatial context informs onsite decision-making like never before, saving valuable time and resources across a variety of industries.”

Land Surveys, an expert in 3D scanning and spatial data management scanned and surveyed the building during construction and were able to generate a 99% accurate 3D model of the building.

“To fully realise the power of a digital twin in the AR environment it requires an accurate 3D scan to provide alignment and continuous navigation for the user,” Land Surveys chief executive Peter Rullo explains.

“The 3D scan works hand in hand with the digital twin and therefore accuracy and quality are paramount to provide optimal performance.”

Willow global head of digital Daniel Kalnins expanded on why AR Digital Twins will transform the future of industry and facilities management: “Digital twins provide an intuitive way to store, organise and access the big data generated by complex real estate and infrastructure assets.

“Data once buried in proprietary systems and controlled by equipment manufacturers becomes accessible and intelligible to owners and users of the built environment, creating significant value for asset owners, managers and occupiers.”

The 60 Martin Place: AR Digital Twin marks the beginning of the initiative between Willow, PHORIA and Land Surveys, as they look to expand the reach of digital twins across Australia in the future.