Virtual meetings cut travel costs and emissions

Video conferencing has become ubiquitous in many workplaces. Screen communication is more engaging than phone calls and allows for closer interaction between team members.

As a substitute to face-to-face meetings, however, video calls are not always ideal. Complex projects require a human presence which computer screens are not able to offer, meaning physical travel is still necessary.

Yet travelling to business meetings is a major source of greenhouse gas emissions in many industries. For a global consultancy like PwC, it accounts for 80 per cent of carbon emissions. Better alternatives to long-distance travel is thus a pressing concern.

Software company Vixel has created VREX, a tool which automatically transfers 3D models into virtual reality while enriching them with data from other sources. This allows teams to conduct efficient virtual meetings, collaborating across the world as if they were in the same room.

The tool is particularly useful for complex engineering and manufacturing projects, where computer-aided design is essential for success. VREX follows all aspects of the open BIM and STP for collaboration on projects.

Any virtual reality or mixed reality hardware can be used with VREX, including Oculus Rift, Windows Mixed Reality, HTC Vive, and many more. Users who do not have access to VR equipment are able to participate through traditional computer screens and laptops.

Connecting with others virtually reduces time spent traveling to meetings. This frees time to do more of what matters, while reducing carbon emissions.

Using VR to combine 3D models with data from complex projects, minimises communication problems across and between companies, reducing risk and cost. The VREX technology enables meeting participants to discuss complicated 3D models directly in front of them, making decision making simpler and more efficient.

In addition, virtual meetings allow employees to meet anyone anywhere in the world, cutting production costs by up to 90 per cent and giving small businesses easier access to a global market.

The global market for computer-aided design in 3D is over USD 10 billion annually. The market is currently largest in Western Europe and North America, but is expected to grow substantially in East Asia in the coming decade.

Vixel was founded in 2014 and has worked with companies such as EAB-Engineering, COWI, A-Lab and Walt Disney.