March 9, 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.
Every year, mismanaged drawings and outdated project data cost construction firms millions in rework and delays. Premier Construction Software is tackling this problem head-on with the launch of Cortex Drawing Management (Cortex DM) – an AI-powered platform that ensures teams always have access to the latest, most accurate project information, preventing costly mistakes before they happen.
Pix4D is excited to announce a new partnership with Freefly Systems, a leading innovator in drone technology. As part of this collaboration, customers purchasing eligible Freefly drones will receive a one-year license for PIX4Dmatic and PIX4Dsurvey, PIX4Dcloud, or PIX4Dfields, providing an all-in-one solution for aerial capture and data processing.
RevUP 2025 brought together passionate leaders and practitioners in the Architecture, Engineering, Construction, and Operations (AECO) industry to discuss the challenges and opportunities ahead. As the industry continues to grapple with inefficiencies and fragmentation, the conversations at RevUP centered on breaking silos, driving collaboration, and leveraging technology to reduce inefficiencies and streamline project delivery.
Wijs Safety Software has introduced a QR code scanning feature to enhance access to safety documentation and streamline compliance in construction. Workers, subcontractors, and third parties can instantly retrieve site-specific safety information by scanning a QR code, eliminating the need for emails or paperwork. A new Permissions feature allows safety managers to control user access to critical documents, ensuring relevance and security. These updates improve safety participation, compliance, and communication while simplifying subcontractor management. With smart workflows, tracking tools, and audit support, Wijs continues to make safety management easier, smarter, and more efficient for the construction industry.
The Texas Innovation Tour (March 17–28, 2025, in Pasadena, TX) will showcase cutting-edge 3D concrete printing (3DCP) technology. Hosted by key industry partners, the event offers hands-on workshops, Q&A sessions, and a live fire-resistance test of a 3D-printed concrete wall. Attendees, including architects, engineers, and contractors, will explore how robotic 3D printing addresses labor shortages, cost efficiency, and sustainability in construction. The tour concludes with an educational session and a Barbecue Burn Bash to highlight fire-resistant construction. This event marks a major step toward integrating 3DCP into mainstream construction.
Acelab has launched Materials Hub, an AI-powered platform that simplifies material selection for architects and designers by integrating artificial intelligence with institutional knowledge. It features a Firm Library for preserving expertise, AI-powered intelligence for smart recommendations, and a streamlined workflow for efficient decision-making. Industry leaders like BIG, Stantec, and AECOM have embraced the platform for its sustainability and design benefits. Available for free starting March 3rd, Materials Hub will launch alongside Materials Month, a series of insights on material innovation in architecture.
Dr. Genda Chen of Missouri S&T has developed the Bridge Inspection Robot Deployment System (BIRDS) to enhance the efficiency, safety, and accuracy of bridge inspections. Awarded the 2025 Charles Pankow Award for Innovation by ASCE, BIRDS uses autonomous robotic systems, including UAVs equipped with infrared cameras, lidar, and manipulators, to inspect and maintain bridges. With over 600,000 U.S. bridges, many aging, this system offers a cost-effective alternative to manual inspections. Since 2019, BIRDS has secured $1 million in funding, with ongoing refinements aimed at widespread adoption, ensuring safer infrastructure and reduced maintenance costs.
Autodesk is laying off 1,350 employees (9% of its workforce) as part of a broader restructuring to enhance efficiency and competitiveness in cloud computing and AI. CEO Andrew Anagnost cited evolving go-to-market strategies and economic challenges as key reasons. The company expects $135M–$150M in restructuring costs but will not close offices. This follows similar layoffs across the tech industry, including Meta, Google, and HP. Despite the cuts, Autodesk reported better-than-expected Q4 earnings with $1.64B in revenue (up 12%) and raised its fiscal 2026 outlook, signaling confidence in future growth.
At a construction site in Gananoque, Ontario, a robot named Val is revolutionizing homebuilding by handling labor-intensive tasks, such as laying concrete, that would typically require 20 workers. Developed by Horizon Legacy, Val enhances efficiency and speed, addressing Canada’s housing crisis and labor shortage. Experts predict increased automation in construction, with companies like Promise Robotics leading innovations in AI-driven homebuilding. With 22% of construction workers retiring in the next decade, robotics offers a scalable solution. As technology advances and costs decrease, automation is set to transform construction, making the industry more efficient, attractive to workers, and cost-effective.
During a visit to UBC Smart Structures, Liberal leadership candidate Mark Carney emphasized the need for innovation to address Canada’s housing shortage. The research lab is pioneering robotic, AI-driven, and modular construction methods to cut costs, reduce waste, and speed up homebuilding. With Canada targeting 3.9 million new homes by 2031, UBC’s technology could be a game-changer. Autonomous robotic equipment can assemble structures faster and more efficiently, addressing labor shortages while improving quality and sustainability. The lab aims to commercialize its innovations within five years, partnering with industry leaders to scale up and revolutionize construction practices nationwide.
