NavVis Unveils the MLX: A Game-Changer for CRE Professionals

NavVis, a leader in reality capture and digital twin technologies, has launched its latest innovation—the NavVis MLX, the company’s first handheld dynamic laser scanning tool. Designed with professionals in mind, the MLX is perfect for the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industry, but its real value shines in Commercial Real Estate (CRE). By focusing on data quality, portability, and user comfort, this scanner brings immense potential to property owners, developers, and managers.

How the NavVis MLX Benefits CRE Clients

1. Rapid 3D Laser Scanning for Large Properties
   With the ability to capture over 100,000 square feet of office space per day, the NavVis MLX allows for the fast scanning of large commercial properties. This reduces the time it takes to perform essential tasks such as creating virtual walk-throughs for stakeholders. CRE professionals can visualize spaces efficiently, whether for marketing or internal project management, without disrupting tenants or operations.
2. Sub 1/4" Accuracy for As-Built Drawings
   One of the most compelling features of the MLX is its sub 1/4" local accuracy, which allows for precise measurements that can be used to generate high-quality as-builts. These measurements can also feed into 2D CAD drawings and 3D Revit models, which are critical for architects and engineers during renovations or new construction. This level of accuracy ensures that any renovation plans align perfectly with the actual conditions of the building.
3. BOMA/REBNY Square Footage Calculations
   One of the most practical uses of the MLX is its ability to measure properties in compliance with BOMA (Building Owners and Managers Association) or REBNY (Real Estate Board of New York) square footage standards. For CRE professionals involved in leasing or purchasing commercial properties, the accuracy provided by the MLX can help calculate rentable square footage quickly and efficiently, minimizing disputes and errors.
4. 360-Degree Virtual Walkthroughs for Marketing & Insurance
   The MLX also offers 360-degree photographic virtual walk-throughs that provide an immersive experience of a property. This feature is not only beneficial for marketing, allowing potential buyers or tenants to explore the property remotely, but it also has practical applications for risk management. By creating detailed virtual records of a building’s current state, owners can use these walk-throughs to help lower insurance premiums by providing documented proof of the building's condition.

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Key Features of the NavVis MLX

In addition to its CRE-specific benefits, the MLX’s advanced features enhance its usability across various industries:

• 32-layer Lidar Sensor: Emits 640,000 points per second with 5mm accuracy indoors for detailed point cloud data.
• Panoramic Imaging: Four 12MP cameras capture 270-degree and 360-degree panoramic images, ideal for documenting spaces of all sizes.
• Visual Odometry for Enhanced SLAM: Two 2MP cameras improve SLAM (Simultaneous Localization and Mapping) algorithms, ensuring accurate mapping.
• Portable Design with Harness System: Weighing only 3.6kg, the MLX offers portability without sacrificing performance. Its ergonomic harness system allows for extended use without fatigue.

The MLX supports point cloud data formats such as E57, PLY, LAS, PTS, and XYZ, and integrates seamlessly with NavVis IVION software to provide users with a digital twin experience.

Portable Yet Powerful

Weighing only 3.6kg, the MLX is significantly lighter than its predecessors—the VLX2 and VLX3—making it more manageable for extended use. Its compact size (60 × 19 × 15 cm) allows users to scan narrow, confined spaces that would otherwise be difficult with bulkier equipment.

Moreover, the ergonomic harness system ensures that professionals can comfortably wear the MLX for long periods, and easily switch between stationary and mobile scanning modes.

Use Cases: From Renovations to New Acquisitions

In a collaboration with ROM Technik and VARTA AG, the MLX was deployed to scan a multi-story technical building under construction in Germany. The MLX was able to capture detailed spaces, including technical rooms with heavy machinery, narrow walkways, and open office spaces—demonstrating its versatility across different environments.

This level of detailed capture is invaluable for CRE professionals, particularly for building owners preparing for renovations. By scanning spaces before or during a project, property owners can ensure they have accurate data to inform their plans. It’s also useful for buyers or lessors who need to quickly and accurately measure a building’s square footage.

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Additional Resources

Interested in seeing how the NavVis MLX performs? NavVis has provided a sample dataset that shows how the MLX captures complex environments. Additionally, a fly-through video demonstrates the tool's powerful data processing in action.

With the growing demand for digital twins and reality capture in the CRE sector, the NavVis MLX is a solution that offers speed, precision, and versatility in a user-friendly package. It’s the perfect tool for building owners, developers, and property managers looking to improve their workflows and maximize the value of their assets. A sample Bank 3D Revit with drawings.

For more information about the MLX and its features, visit the NavVis Knowledge Base.