For over 3 years now, Trimble has been teaming up with Microsoft to make the mixed reality headset, the Microsoft HoloLens, a viable and useful tool for the construction industry. With Microsoft’s recent announcement of their next-gen headset, the HoloLens 2, Trimble also made an announcement about the impending release of a new wearable hard hat compatible device featuring the HoloLens 2.
The Trimble XR10 with HoloLens 2 was announced at MWC Barcelona, which is the largest mobile event in the world, alongside Microsoft on February 25, 2019. Its upgraded features over the first generation device include a wider field-of-view, a flip-up viewscreen, and improved usability.
In addition to the hardware being upgraded, Trimble also announced that they will be expanding their software offering for the construction industry. Currently, Trimble offers Trimble Connect, their mixed reality platform; SketchUp Viewer, for model viewing; Connected Mine, for mine work; Trimble SiteVision, for site work; and Trimble PULSE Remote Expert, augmented reality for connecting with experts off the jobsite through audio, video, and text in real-time.
"Microsoft has provided both the vision and execution needed to stay at the forefront of the mixed-reality evolution," said Aviad Almagor, director of Trimble's Mixed-Reality Program, in a press release. "We're excited to extend our collaboration with Microsoft in producing a safety-first mixed-reality solution that can be used in production environments such as construction, where workers are building, monitoring and inspecting products and services that deliver tangible value every day."
The XR10 headset will be available for purchase at the same time the HoloLens 2 is released, which has not yet been announced, but pre-orders are being taken. The retail price for the Trimble ZR10 will be $4,750.
Below is a video of what the first generation of the Trimble-HoloLens partnership can do:
