A look at the world of Construction Technology – by Arnie Gess, president 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.

KYRO, a leading SaaS platform for digital workflows, has partnered with LS Power Grid to streamline field inspections, enhancing efficiency and reducing costs. By automating processes, LS Power Grid has eliminated manual rework, enabled real-time decision-making, and improved safety. KYRO’s platform integrates digital forms, aerial and ground inspections, and quality checks into a seamless workflow, providing real-time visibility and centralized record management. This collaboration enhances compliance, minimizes delays, and optimizes operations, showcasing KYRO’s role in driving digital transformation in the energy and utility sector.

Assembly Corp. has partnered with Lindbäcks Group to bring advanced factory-built housing technology to Canada, revolutionizing industrialized construction. This collaboration will reduce costs, shorten timelines, and lower carbon emissions using Lindbäcks’ automated off-site manufacturing system. The partnership originated in 2024 through CMHC’s Housing Supply Challenge, connecting Canada with Sweden’s expertise in prefabricated housing. Lindbäcks’ state-of-the-art equipment, soon operational in Toronto, will produce 1,600 housing units annually, offering scalable, sustainable solutions to Canada’s housing crisis. This marks a significant step forward in modular construction, combining Swedish innovation with Canadian expertise to transform the nation’s housing industry.

Newforma has launched the Newforma Konekt File Server Connector, a powerful tool that integrates on-premise and cloud-based systems into a real-time, unified project data view. By connecting Autodesk Construction Cloud, SharePoint, and third-party storage solutions, it eliminates fragmented workflows and security risks, allowing seamless collaboration without VPNs. Key features include real-time data synchronization, secure role-based access, performance optimization, and audit trails for compliance. This game-changing solution enables AEC professionals to work smarter, ensuring data security, accessibility, and efficiency while bridging local servers and cloud functionality. Newforma continues to redefine project data management for the AEC industry.

LNE Surveys specializes in as-built survey services for existing commercial buildings, providing precise documentation to support renovations, expansions, and upgrades. By using advanced measurement tools like laser scanning and total station surveying, they ensure accurate data on structural elements, reducing costly errors. Their detailed reports help developers, architects, and contractors align planning with real-world conditions, streamlining approvals and enhancing coordination. With high-resolution floor plans and 3D models, LNE Surveys optimizes space utilization and structural improvements.

Cilio Technologies, a leader in SaaS solutions for home improvement installers, has partnered with Thornton Fence Consulting Group, led by industry expert Tony Thornton, to revolutionize fence installation businesses. This collaboration merges Cilio’s advanced workflow management platform with Tony’s extensive industry expertise, offering installers an unparalleled solution for efficiency and growth. By streamlining operations and integrating top tools, the partnership enhances business performance and customer satisfaction. Tony will introduce Cilio’s platform at key industry events, helping fence professionals adopt technology-driven strategies for success in a competitive market.

SMS360, a leader in digital safety solutions, has launched enhanced offline capabilities to improve safety and compliance management in industries like construction, mining, and energy. This feature ensures uninterrupted data collection, safety inspections, and access to critical protocols even in remote areas with limited internet connectivity. Once online, the system syncs seamlessly, preserving data integrity and streamlining audits. By mitigating risks associated with network outages, SMS360 empowers organizations to maintain high safety standards and regulatory compliance with confidence. This innovation supports proactive risk management and efficiency, ensuring businesses can operate safely regardless of connectivity challenges.

German Bionic has launched the Apogee ULTRA, the world’s most powerful robotic exoskeleton, offering 80 lbs (36 kg) of lifting support for workers in logistics, construction, healthcare, and more. Featuring AI-driven adaptability and Ultra Mode for extra strength, it reduces fatigue, improves safety, and enhances productivity. The German Bionic Connect app tracks user performance, while the IO platform provides real-time safety insights and training. Companies using these exoskeletons report a 31% drop in sick leave and improved retention. CEO Armin G. Schmidt calls it a transformative tool for workforce efficiency, with future-proof OTA updates ensuring continuous innovation.

Splashtop has integrated its Augmented Reality (AR) remote support with RealWear Smart Glasses, enabling hands-free assistance for industries like oil and gas, manufacturing, utilities, and construction. This innovation allows remote experts to see and guide on-site workers in real time, reducing maintenance risks, cutting downtime, and improving safety by up to 70%. Key features include live AR annotations, camera sharing, VoIP communication, file transfers, and session recording, enhancing OSHA compliance in hazard assessment, training, and confined space operations. Now available for cloud and on-premises deployment, Splashtop AR helps streamline operations and improve safety in high-risk environments.

Join has launched Join Core, a powerful solution that enables construction firms to leverage historical and real-time data, improve efficiency, and standardize processes. Built on Join Project, a widely used collaborative project delivery platform, Join Core extends insights across an entire portfolio. Key features include cost trend analysis, project timelines, decision logs, and scenario management, helping teams make data-driven decisions. Firms can benchmark past projects, improve portfolio visibility with dashboards, and standardize workflows to enhance collaboration and efficiency. By integrating Join Project with Join Core, firms can optimize project execution, reduce inefficiencies, and improve overall construction outcomes.

AI’s growing electricity demand is set to double or triple in the next three years, driving investment in power infrastructure, including OpenAI’s $500 billion Stargate Project. While gas remains the primary power source, new research from Duke University suggests that strategic power curtailment at data centers could free up 100 gigawatts without new plants. This approach could delay reliance on fossil fuels, allowing time for clean energy solutions like nuclear to scale. With rising demand from AI, electrification, and climate-driven cooling, regulators must prioritize grid flexibility to ensure a cleaner energy future.

Europe is set for a record year in data center expansion, with 937 megawatts of new capacity expected in 2025—a 43% increase from 2024, according to CBRE. Growth is driven by AI, cloud computing, and hyperscaler demand, with London, Frankfurt, and Milan among key markets. Despite power and land challenges, over half of the new capacity will be in major hubs, while secondary markets like Madrid and Milan are rapidly expanding. CBRE anticipates double-digit growth in five of ten tracked secondary markets, signaling continued strong demand for data infrastructure.

Topcon Positioning Systems and Pix4D have formed a strategic partnership to enhance access to high-precision positioning and 3D mapping technologies. As part of the agreement, Topcon will distribute Pix4D’s photogrammetry software, combining its expertise in geopositioning with Pix4D’s advanced mapping solutions. This collaboration benefits professionals in surveying, AEC, utilities, infrastructure, and public safety by offering seamless, integrated technologies. The agreement also expands Pix4D’s global reach through Topcon’s distribution network, simplifying access and support for end-users. Leaders from both companies highlight the synergy between precision positioning and photogrammetry, marking a significant step forward in geospatial industry innovation.

A Chinese research team led by Tang Zhicheng has developed a groundbreaking method to recycle aging wind turbine blades, addressing a major environmental challenge. By using physical crushing and chemical treatment, they have repurposed the blades into materials for asphalt and concrete. A successful road test in Lanzhou proved the durability of this approach, paving the way for broader applications. As China faces a surge in decommissioned turbines, this innovation supports sustainability and carbon reduction goals. More demonstration projects are planned, reinforcing the potential for retired blades to become valuable “urban mineral resources.”