Tag: BIM/CAD

Background

Sierra Space — Aerospace and space technology leader, developer of the Dream Chaser® spaceplane and advanced satellite vehicles.

Challenge

Sierra Space manages some of the world’s most complex engineering projects, including the Dream Chaser® Tenacity, with over one million components. Their teams needed a scalable way to:

• Visualize and collaborate on massive 3D assemblies, regardless of device or location

• Minimize costly and time-consuming custom software development

• Support critical launch preparation and contractual design evaluations across distributed engineering teams

Solution

iQ3Connect delivered a device-agnostic, WebXR-enabled platform for real-time 3D collaboration:

• Dream Chaser® Tenacity (1M+ components) and full satellite vehicle assemblies now run smoothly in multi-user, multi-device workspaces—including on tablets and smartphones

• Engineering teams access, review, and manipulate large-scale 3D models instantly—no downloads or custom builds required

• SSO integration enables secure, organization-wide access; WebXR supports both desktop and mobile experiences

Business Outcomes

• Dramatic Efficiency Gains:
  Engineering tasks that previously required up to four weeks of custom development can now be completed in as little as four hours.

• Rapid Adoption and Internal Impact:
  Multiple engineering teams were able to demonstrate the platform internally and externally within hours of receiving training

• Immediate Program Value:
  Integrated into Tenacity’s digital closeout and launch prep, iQ3Connect has already supported multiple DFX (Design for X) evaluations to fulfill contractual and compliance requirements

• Enterprise Collaboration Unlocked:
  Teams can review, discuss, and resolve design issues in real time, on any device—speeding up decision-making and reducing barriers to innovation

Conclusion

By leveraging iQ3Connect, Sierra Space has transformed how its teams interact with their most complex digital assets—accelerating engineering cycles, streamlining launch preparation, and fulfilling mission-critical contractual obligations with unmatched speed and flexibility.

Background

Yokogawa Bridge Corporation, a leader in Japan’s steel bridge construction industry, sought innovative solutions to enhance their engineering workflows, improve communication, and reduce errors throughout the design and construction process.

Challenge

Traditional review methods relied on printed drawings and physical meetings, which made it difficult to identify complex design issues early, coordinate among distributed teams, and effectively communicate with clients and partners.

Solution

By adopting iQ3Connect’s web-based VR platform, Yokogawa Bridge was able to visualize full-scale 3D models of their steel structures in immersive virtual environments and seamlessly combine CAD with reality capture LIDAR scan data of their sites. Engineers, designers, and stakeholders could now review detailed bridge models collaboratively from any location—using VR headsets, PCs, or tablets—without requiring specialized software or complex installations.

Results

• Improved Design Review: Teams detected and addressed design inconsistencies and interferences early in the process, reducing costly rework during fabrication and assembly.

• Enhanced Communication: Virtual meetings in 3D environments enabled clear, intuitive discussions and decision-making among engineers, partners, and clients.

• Cost & Time Savings: Remote VR sessions eliminated the need for frequent travel and streamlined review cycles, accelerating project delivery.

• Safer Training: VR also provided a risk-free environment for operator and safety training, further supporting workforce development.

Conclusion

Yokogawa Bridge’s deployment of iQ3Connect’s VR platform marks a significant step in digital transformation for steel construction, setting a precedent for how immersive technology can drive efficiency, safety, and collaboration in complex engineering projects.

Reference: Nikkei Article: “A Bridge Built in Virtual Space” (Japanese)