The app uses ray tracing and other techniques in Unreal Engine to create a high-quality architecture, light, and material simulation for customers. Zuru Tech created the backend and frontend using C++ in Unreal Engine, leveraging some key components of the platform including its high-performance physics and destruction system; the Slate user interface framework; and the Unreal Motion Graphics (UMG) UI Designer. Data generated by the app is sent to Zuru’s factories to produce the actual building components and finally to assemble the house. The company has plans to use Unreal Engine in the assembly phase and also to create a home automation app for smart houses.
Carianni says that the ability to design and render in a WYSIWYG flow that all happens in real time is key to good design and good execution of that design. “We believe in zero interruption, in simplicity and immediacy,” he explains. “Real-time is the only option for creating a modern 3D application today—we accept nothing but the best for our project.”
Partnering with Epic for success
Zuru has been part of the Unreal Enterprise program since 2017, giving them a direct relationship with the AEC team at Epic Games—and access to the Unreal Developer Network (UDN), which enables Zuru’s developers to have their questions answered by Epic staff. “We immediately felt the high level of professionalism and the incredible experience the team has to handle the most diverse uses of Unreal Engine in the AEC sector,” says Carianni.
“As we work on very specific areas of Unreal Engine—procedural geometry generation, archviz rendering, and CAD I/O—the Epic AEC team quickly introduced us to great sessions about those topics and helped us understand how to evolve our product in the right direction.”
The Zuru team has a bi-monthly catchup with the AEC team where its developers align on the future of the engine, enabling Zuru to adjust its development roadmap. “This is really appreciated among our team,” says Carianni. “We often need to understand a design aspect of the engine or know in advance which technologies are going to be developed, so our relationship with Epic is super-appreciated by our developers and artists.”
Carianni is quick to point out that the very first relationship Zuru has with Epic is via the engine code itself. His team finds it particularly useful to have UDN access for direct access to Epic engineers. “We really appreciate the quality, architecture, and power of the code of Unreal Engine,” he says. “Considering the engine code is so precious, everything that gets us closer to understanding it better is gold for us—hence having direct support from the Epic AEC team and Engineering team via UDN is really important for our success.”
Transforming traditional workflows
With Industry 4.0 technology developing apace, it’s not surprising we’re seeing applications like Zuru Home disrupt traditional, monolithic workflows. “The world keeps spinning, construction keeps being the same,” says Carianni.
Source: Unreal Engine Blog