Tablet overlays 3D design models onto actual fabricated parts for instant comparison

Scope to expand into steel modular and other factory-fabricated segments

GS Engineering & Construction conducts a quality inspection of plant equipment using augmented reality technology. [GS Engineering & Construction]
GS Engineering & Construction conducts a quality inspection of plant equipment using augmented reality technology. [GS Engineering & Construction]

GS Engineering & Construction will deploy augmented reality technology at its plant construction sites, allowing inspectors to use tablets to instantly compare 3D design drawings against actual fabricated equipment before installation.

The company said Tuesday it is introducing Twyn, a digital inspection solution developed by German AR specialist Visometry, to digitize quality control at its plant sites.

Equipment used in plant construction must pass mandatory quality inspections verifying that fabricated parts match their design drawings before being installed on site. Under the conventional approach, inspectors compared drawings and parts by eye — a process that was time-consuming for complex structures and prone to inconsistency depending on the inspector's experience. Defects missed at the fabrication stage often led to costly rework during installation, making fast and accurate pre-installation checks a persistent challenge.

Twyn uses AR technology to overlay 3D design data onto actual fabricated parts on screen, letting inspectors verify on the spot whether a part matches its specifications using a tablet.

A key feature is "geometry-based automatic alignment and tracking," which automatically matches the position and orientation of equipment without requiring markers or QR codes — unlike conventional AR systems. Because the technology directly compares the shape captured by the camera against the 3D design, it works in indoor factories where GPS signals are unreliable.

The system first screens for primary quality issues — missing components, incorrect installation, and positional or directional anomalies — then deploys 3D laser scanners only for items requiring further verification. By combining AR-based inspection with 3D laser scanning in stages, GS Engineering & Construction aims to significantly cut inspection time while improving both precision and efficiency.

The company has already applied the technology at four plant sites, both domestic and overseas. It plans to expand the scope to steel modular construction and other areas requiring repeated factory inspections, while systematically managing quality history data to further refine its processes.

"The key is being able to directly compare 3D design models with actual fabricated parts on site, quickly identify any quality issues, and select which items need precision inspection," a company official said. "We will continue to leverage digital technology to improve the efficiency and reliability of plant quality management."

Meanwhile, GS Engineering & Construction recorded 5.22 trillion won ($3.88 billion) in new orders in the second quarter of this year, up about 62 percent from 3.23 trillion won in the same period last year.


hwshin@heraldcorp.com