VRcollab

VRCollab is a Singapore based technology company developing multi-user virtual reality collaboration platform for architectural design. The technology combines BIM (Building Information Modeling) data to VR environment conversion and real-time collaboration with stakeholders. The company aims to reduce high rework rates on building designs with interactive collaboration from anywhere on the internet. With VRCollab, Architects who have no programming language can convert their sketch models into the 3D game engine Unity, allowing clients to explore their designs in VR.

VRCollab develops a suite of tools to convert 3D data from multiple BIM software into a virtual reality environment. This virtual environment is used to display and collaborate with clients and stakeholders to analyze, modify, and annotate necessary information.

VRCollab LITE is a software application used to merge and combine different BIM formats including Revit, Navisworks, Archicad, Rhino, Sketchup, and OBJ without any data loss. The 3D VR space generated by the software can then be used to invite collaborators in the project. While navigating through the VR space, collaborators can do precise measurements such as end/mid-point snapping and smart object edge detection. The section box tool is used to slice through the building model to check any part of the building structure. The software can simulate sunlight so analyze sunlight penetration into the building. The building’s mechanical, electrical, and plumbing information can be viewed through X-Ray MEP Highlights. Collaborators in the VR environment can use markup tool, screenshots, and text comments to highlight issues and provide information to be modified or studied later.

VRCollab Studio is a software that projects 3D images onto 3 to 6 walls of a room-sized cube. The viewers are provided 3D glasses to inspect and evaluate the designs. The software can navigate through the BIM design projected onto the screen through mouse and keyboard actions. VRCollab Studio can also connect to other VRCollab Studio and VRCollab Lite users in remote locations through the internet. This setup makes it easy for a group of people to interactively review design in a single room.

After a collaboration session is complete, the comments and screenshots are compiled into a PDF report for review.

Yiwei Gong founded the company in 2016 and is headquartered in Singapore. The company was a part of Entrepreneur First’s inaugural Singapore cohort in 2017.