February 28, 2025
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.
Organizers of Commercial UAV Expo, have announced that the Call for Speakers is open, with a deadline of March 7 for all submissions. The Call for Speakers invites industry leaders, innovators, and experts to apply to present case studies and experiences around the theme, Drones in Action: Current Realities & Future Frontiers. This year, the conference is delving even deeper into the tangible impact of drone applications today by focusing on practical, real-world uses that drive efficiency, safety, and effectiveness. Commercial UAV Expo will occur September 2-4, 2025, at Ceasar’s Forum in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Innovation and collaboration are the driving forces behind progress in the AECO industry, and Revizto proudly recognizes those who lead the way. At RevUP 2025, held in Washington D.C., the winners of the 2024 Collaborators of the Year Awards were celebrated for their exceptional contributions and groundbreaking approaches to teamwork and technology.
HSI, a global leader in EHSQ and ESG software, has appointed Jose Arcilla as its new CEO, succeeding Chad Birckelbaw, who transitions to Executive Chairperson of the Board. Additionally, Tom Benson has been promoted to President. Arcilla, who joined HSI in 2020, brings over 25 years of leadership experience from Symantec, Adobe, and McAfee. This strategic leadership transition ensures continued growth, innovation, and customer success. HSI’s investors and leadership team express strong confidence in Arcilla and Benson to drive the company’s expansion, solidifying its position as a market leader in compliance training and workforce development solutions.
The Digital Evolution Institute, in partnership with the Building Industry Association of Southern California (BIASC), is hosting a real estate innovation and sustainability event on March 27, 2025, in Newport Beach, CA. Industry leaders, developers, investors, and technologists will discuss the future of housing, affordability, and sustainable development. Experts from companies like CBRE, Intel, and Speedcast will explore how technology, data, and connectivity are transforming real estate investments, reducing energy costs, and enhancing efficiency. With private capital increasingly driving sustainable housing, the event underscores the vital role of innovation in shaping real estate’s future.
Arhasi Inc. has launched its AI-powered compliance monitoring solution on the Geotab Marketplace, enhancing fleet intelligence, predictive analytics, and real-time decision-making. By integrating Geotab’s telematics data with AI-driven compliance protocols, Arhasi offers a turnkey solution for fleet operators to improve safety, efficiency, and regulatory adherence. This collaboration reinforces Geotab’s commitment to innovation in connected transportation solutions, providing customers with advanced tools to streamline operations. Arhasi’s expertise in AI, IoT, and Digital Twins brings transformative benefits to fleet management, helping businesses navigate compliance complexities while optimizing vehicle and driver performance.
Promise Robotics, an AI-driven construction technology company, is expanding its Factory-as-a-Service (FaaS) platform with a 60,000-square-foot robotics facility in Calgary, launching in summer 2025. Capable of producing 1,000,000 square feet of housing annually, the facility aims to address housing shortages across Canada and the U.S. Using AI-powered automation, Promise Robotics is revolutionizing offsite home construction by offering an efficient, scalable, and cost-effective solution. With rapid deployment capabilities, its modular system allows homebuilders to adjust production based on regional demand. The company’s innovation supports workforce development, job creation, and future expansion across major U.S. cities.
VR Builders is revolutionizing real estate and interior design with its Virtual Design Center, an advanced VR platform that allows developers, designers, and buyers to visualize and customize properties before construction. This immersive tool enables users to explore true-to-scale 3D spaces, swap materials in real-time, and make informed design choices, reducing costly changes. According to CEO Luis Silvestre, it enhances client engagement and streamlines decision-making. Designed for developers, construction firms, and designers, the platform seamlessly integrates with architectural plans, serving as a powerful sales and planning tool. VR Builders is partnering with industry leaders to shape the future of property visualization.
XL Construction and RMW Architects secured the UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital Oakland ASB project with an innovative mass timber design, emphasizing sustainability and collaboration. Despite budget constraints, permitting hurdles, and rising costs, the team successfully reduced expenses while maintaining project integrity. Join, a digital collaboration platform, streamlined real-time decision-making, bridging communication gaps between designers, contractors, and UCSF Health. According to XL’s Terry Wong, trust in value engineering was key to cost-effective solutions. Ultimately, teamwork, technology, and sustainable design led to a successful, budget-conscious project, demonstrating the power of innovation in modern construction.
Lanex Manufacturing Inc. has acquired METALOQ’s patented steel structure prefabrication technology, introducing an innovative modular construction solution. METALOQ’s pre-engineered “frame kit” system enables efficient, scalable construction, allowing on-site or in-house assembly with basic tools. Its precision-engineered, fire-resistant steel frames support structures from four to thirty-plus stories, making it ideal for residential, commercial, and high-rise projects. By ensuring rapid construction, cost efficiency, and consistent quality, METALOQ revolutionizes offsite modular building. Lanex is also exploring sublicensing and partnerships to expand adoption, positioning METALOQ as a transformative solution for modern, sustainable construction.
While 3D printing in construction has been hailed as a breakthrough in affordable housing, it remains a promising tool rather than a complete solution. Companies like ICON have pioneered 3D-printed homes, showcasing faster, cost-effective construction with reduced material waste. However, challenges persist, including building codes, policy barriers, and construction industry resistance to change. Critics argue that on-site 3D printing lacks scalability for multi-unit housing, favoring suburban development over urban density solutions. Some firms, like Citizen Robotics and DAUB, advocate for prefabricated 3D-printed components to accelerate building timelines. Ultimately, 3D printing’s success depends on community-driven innovation, policy reform, and integration with broader housing strategies.
The construction industry is highly fragmented, leading to massive carbon emissions and waste, with nearly 700 million tons of demolition debris generated annually. Catherine De Wolf, a professor at ETH Zurich, is leveraging AI, robotics, and machine learning to match builders with reusable materials from demolished structures. Her lab catalogs buildings worldwide, using computer vision and drones to identify materials suitable for reuse. By developing AI-driven design tools and material-matching platforms, De Wolf aims to streamline sustainable construction and reduce reliance on virgin materials. Her goal is to make reusing materials faster and easier than demolition, revolutionizing the industry.
OnStation has introduced Active Worksite™, a real-time safety technology launching in March 2025, designed to protect road workers by alerting drivers through Waze, OEM dashboards, and traffic data feeds. Integrated with iCone, it sends anonymized worker location data when activated within 130 feet of a project centerline, dynamically adapting to real-time conditions for unexpected work and emergency repairs. With highway worker fatalities on the rise, Brooks Construction has already adopted the tool, highlighting its potential to change driver behavior and improve safety. Available for a flat fee, Active Worksite™ reinforces the industry’s commitment to safer construction zones.
