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

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Welcome to the Construction Links Network’s weekly construction technology blog, your essential guide to the rapidly evolving world of construction tech! Every week, we delve into how technology is reshaping every facet of the construction industry, from innovative design and meticulous planning to efficient project management and on-site execution. This blog series is dedicated to bringing construction professionals the most current updates on emerging tools, techniques, and trends. From exploring the latest in software solutions to groundbreaking building materials and pioneering research, our blog is a comprehensive resource for anyone keen on the technological advancements driving the future of construction. Stay informed and ahead of the curve with our in-depth coverage of all things construction technology.

AI construction management platform Buildots is being utilized in the Hub Knoxville student housing project at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, developed by Juneau Construction Company. The 800,000 sq. ft. project will house nearly 2,000 students, featuring advanced AI technology to improve project efficiency and mitigate delays. Designed by Dwell Design Studio and developed by Core Spaces, the complex includes extensive amenities. Juneau, a top-ranked student housing contractor, is also applying Buildots technology to other significant projects like One Park Tower in Miami.

Hitachi Construction Machinery selected Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI) to migrate its essential business systems, including accounting, development, and production. Using Oracle Cloud VMware Solution and Oracle Exadata Database Service on OCI, the company achieved a swift migration with minimal changes to applications and databases. This move reduced infrastructure costs by 20%, improved processing performance, and enhanced business continuity. Hitachi plans to further modernize applications and leverage AI capabilities, consolidating business data into OCI for its digital transformation efforts.

The global building information modeling (BIM) software market is projected to grow by $9.68 billion from 2024-2028, with a CAGR of 22.79%, driven by the need for managing large-scale projects and the rise of 5D BIM. Despite high implementation costs, BIM adoption is increasing, offering benefits like enhanced project efficiency, real-time cost estimation, and VR/AR integration. Key players include Autodesk, Bentley Systems, and Trimble Inc., among others.

The Ontario government is adopting digital twin technology for infrastructure projects like hospitals, highways, and transit systems to ensure timely, on-budget completion. This innovative method uses virtual models to identify and resolve issues before construction begins, reducing delays and costs. Key projects include the Trillium Health Partners’ Mississauga Hospital, Ontario Place rebuild, and Eglinton Crosstown West Extension. As part of the 2024 budget, Ontario is investing over $190 billion in infrastructure, emphasizing efficiency and safety.

Ironspring Ventures, an Austin-based venture firm, has raised $100 million for its second fund, significantly increasing from its $61 million debut fund. The firm focuses on industrial startups in sectors like construction and manufacturing. Ironspring plans to invest in 20 startups, emphasizing larger investments between $2 million to $4 million. With the addition of new team members, Ironspring aims to leverage macroeconomic trends and technological advancements, positioning itself as a key player in driving innovation within the industrial market.

SmartPM Technologies has launched a Custom Reporting feature to streamline data accessibility and improve communication on commercial construction projects. This tool allows users to design visual reports with simple drag-and-drop functionality, making project data easier to understand. It helps users identify and communicate risks effectively, reducing time spent on report preparation. This innovation marks a significant advancement in project controls, ensuring all stakeholders have consistent, accessible, and actionable information.

The construction industry produces over a third of the EU’s annual waste and more than double the waste of U.S. households. Sensorita aims to reduce this by providing reliable data on waste management. The Oslo-based startup uses sensors and machine learning to track waste bin locations and fill levels, helping companies streamline pickups and cut costs. Backed by $3.25 million in funding, Sensorita plans to expand and enhance its technology for better waste management.

Nicholas Cumins has been appointed CEO of Bentley Systems, marking the first time a non-family member leads the company. He succeeds co-founder Greg Bentley, who becomes Executive Chair. Bentley Systems, renowned for its MicroStation platform, is a leader in infrastructure engineering software. Cumins, previously COO, aims to address the global engineering talent shortage and enhance infrastructure resilience with AI-powered digital twin solutions, crucial for monitoring and improving asset performance amidst climate challenges.