A look at the world of Construction Technology – by Arnie Gess, publisher of Construction Links Network

Technology is transforming every aspect of the construction industry, from design and planning to project management and execution. As new tools and techniques continue to emerge, it’s more important than ever for professionals in the field to stay up-to-date with the latest trends and innovations. This blog series offers in-depth coverage of the most important developments in construction technology. Whether you’re interested in the latest software platforms, the newest building materials, or the cutting-edge research shaping the future of the industry, you’ll find it all here.

The world of construction is constantly evolving, and staying up-to-date with the latest trends and practices can be a challenge for industry leaders. Fortunately, podcasts have become an increasingly popular way for professionals to stay informed and engaged in their field. The biggest challenge for podcast listeners, new or seasoned, is finding the best ones to tune in to. In this blog by Truelook Construction Cameras, they will explore the top 10 construction industry podcasts and how they can benefit construction leaders.

Integrating new software into a construction company can be a daunting task, even for the most seasoned professionals. Challenges can range from resistance to change from employees, to difficulty in understanding how to use the new software or platform. In addition, some companies may face challenges with customization (or lack thereof), compatibility, and even difficulty with knowing where and how to start. Despite these challenges, it’s crucial to keep up with the latest technology trends and integrate new software to stay competitive in the industry. With proper planning and guidance, onboarding new software can be a smooth process that leads to improved efficiency, streamlined workflows, and ultimately, increased profitability. This blog by OnTraccr Technologies discusses the crucial steps that all construction companies should take in order to ensure a successful onboarding of a new software platform.

Seequent, The Bentley Subsurface Company, has recently launched SLOPE3D, an advanced slope stability analysis tool that allows geotechnical engineers and engineering geologists to design safer slopes. SLOPE3D extends the capabilities of GeoStudio’s 2D SLOPE/W product into 3D, making it easier to assess stability in rock and soil slopes, including hillslopes, open pit mines, and engineered structures such as dams and levees. SLOPE3D aims to empower geotechnical and geological engineers to make confident decisions, improve safety, reduce project risks and costs, and ultimately design better infrastructure.

Reality capture is altering the way builders get things done, and the story is just beginning. Join OpenSpace at Waypoint 2023 where they will share the next chapter: How the latest advancements in 360 reality capture and AI fundamentally simplify coordination between field and VDC teams. Learn more and register at http://bit.ly/3o3LTOZ 

Projecthero is a construction tech startup that has created a membership-based professional network for India’s construction industry. They recently launched a chat feature on their app to enable all communications between workers and contractors to occur on the platform. The feature not only allows workers to track their conversations, but also allows Projecthero to monitor conversations and detect fraudulent activity. With over 50 million construction workers in India, the labour supply chain is fragmented, and fraudsters take advantage of the lack of transparency to pay lower wages and make false promises. Projecthero’s chat feature is a one-stop solution to build transparency and protect workers. The chat service is stored and monitored regularly, and there is a dedicated HR manager for the chat to ensure that no monetary conversation or fraudulent activity occurs. The feature will also be more scalable and efficient once AI tools replace the manual HR partner. Satya Vyas, Founder and CEO at Projecthero, believes that the chat feature will help tackle job fraud, which is prevalent in India’s construction industry. Projecthero has placed over 3,000 workers on projects and currently has more than 400,000 construction workers on their platform.

The increasing use of robotics automation in the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industries is creating a demand for skilled workers in advanced technologies and robotics. To address this need, the College of Communication, Architecture + The Arts (CARTA) School of Architecture and the College of Engineering and Computing Knight Foundation School of Computing and Information Sciences (KFSCIS) at Florida International University (FIU) are collaborating to research and create “Intelligent Immersive Environments for Learning Robotics”. This project, funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF) through the Research on Emerging Technologies for Teaching and Learning (RETTL) program, will develop a personalized learning tool for the AEC industry, utilizing virtual reality (VR), Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Natural Language Processing (NLP) technologies to analyze data on student interactions and recommend specific learning sequences.

Swiss drone manufacturer Wingtra has secured $22 million in a funding round led by Silicon Valley-based growth equity firm, Xplorer Capital, with participation from Credit Suisse Entrepreneur Capital and others. Wingtra specializes in producing high-performance vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) drones used for aerial mapping and surveying in various industries, including mining, construction, agriculture, and environmental monitoring. Wingtra’s flagship product, the WingtraOne, combines the flexibility of a multirotor with the endurance and speed of a fixed-wing drone. The hybrid design allows the WingtraOne to take off and land like a helicopter, but then transition to flying horizontally like a fixed-wing aircraft, covering larger distances in a shorter amount of time. It is also equipped with high-resolution cameras and sensors, allowing it to capture detailed data in a range of environments.

The global Construction 4.0 market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 17.7% from 2021 to 2031. This growth is driven by the adoption of advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, 3D printing, and Internet of Things (IoT) in the construction industry. These technologies have enabled improved efficiency and productivity, reduced labor costs, and increased safety. The report notes that the current applications of Construction 4.0 include Building Information Modeling (BIM), smart sensors, and drones for surveying and mapping. In the future, the market is expected to expand to include new technologies such as augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR), as well as modular construction and robotics.

Sellen Construction and Sustaira have collaborated to launch an innovative ESG construction software, promoting sustainability and transparency. The software aids in monitoring the carbon emissions, waste generation, and water consumption of construction projects, allowing for an environmentally responsible approach to construction. The platform enables real-time tracking and reporting on sustainability performance, promoting sustainability throughout the project’s lifecycle. It streamlines the reporting process and enhances the sustainability of construction projects, resulting in a reduced environmental footprint, increased stakeholder engagement, and better ESG outcomes.

TwinUp has launched a metaverse software for architects that combines the real and virtual worlds. The software allows architects and designers to visualize their creations in a 3D digital environment before starting construction, enhancing the design process and reducing costs. The software uses real-world data to create virtual models of cities and buildings, allowing for more accurate and detailed design. The platform also facilitates collaboration between designers and clients, allowing them to visualize and modify designs in real-time. The software is expected to revolutionize the architecture industry, providing architects with a more efficient and immersive design experience.

Hexagon has released the first Autonomous Construction Tech Outlook, outlining the benefits and challenges of autonomous construction technology. The report highlights the potential benefits of autonomous construction equipment, such as improved safety, increased efficiency, and reduced costs. However, the report also acknowledges the challenges of implementing this technology, including the high cost of equipment, lack of skilled labor, and regulatory hurdles. The report concludes that while autonomous construction technology is still in its infancy, it has the potential to revolutionize the construction industry, and companies that invest in it will have a competitive advantage in the future.