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

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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.

Saskatchewan Polytechnic is embracing virtual technology to enhance training in construction and trades. They’re introducing virtual reality (VR) headsets and high-tech Lab Volt modular trainers. These tools facilitate remote, hands-on learning in fields like plumbing and construction electrician apprenticeships, including renewable energy components. The VR headset allows students to practice maintenance on heating and cooling units virtually, ensuring safety and accessibility. Lab Volt trainers offer versatile simulations, and programmable logic computer (PLC) trainers support industrial automation training. These innovations enhance technical education by providing practical experience in a cost-effective manner. Saskatchewan Polytechnic is committed to integrating technology-enhanced learning (TEL) to prepare students for the future, particularly in growing areas like renewable energy. This investment in TEL demonstrates the institution’s dedication to supporting students in the evolving electronics era, offering promising opportunities for apprenticeships and technical training.

The ACI Foundation’s Concrete Innovation Council (CIC) recently convened at the 2023 Technology Forum in Portland, OR. This forum serves as a pivotal gathering for professionals in the concrete industry, focusing on technology and innovation. The event facilitated connections among diverse stakeholders, including material suppliers, architecture and engineering firms, contractors, academics, executives, and regulatory agencies. Notably, Ann Masek, Executive Director of ACI Foundation, highlighted the Forum’s success and the importance of addressing concrete strength as a critical parameter affecting cost, quality, and construction schedules. The discussions revolved around introducing new technologies for in-situ concrete strength measurement.

MakersHub, a startup specializing in accounts payable solutions, introduced its MakersHub Pay product at TechCrunch Disrupt’s Startup Battlefield. The company targets construction, industrial, and manufacturing firms, aiming to eliminate manual data entry for bills. The problem they address is particularly relevant for businesses dealing with numerous line items on bills, as accurate coding is crucial for job costing and future cost estimation. Phong Ngo, the CEO and co-founder, previously experienced these challenges when running General Plasma. MakersHub utilizes proprietary technology called WiseVision to extract and contextualize data from bills and receipts, improving accuracy compared to legacy systems. Their solution offers features like instant data capture, rules-driven approval, and integration with QuickBooks. Ngo and co-founder Charley Howe claim their system can expedite accounts payable tasks by 90%.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing the construction industry, addressing challenges such as cost overruns, delays, labor shortages, and safety concerns. AI automates tasks like project scheduling and cost estimation, reducing errors and speeding up projects. Predictive AI algorithms identify potential issues, enhancing decision-making. AI improves safety through wearable sensors, drones, and real-time monitoring. Rather than replacing workers, AI enhances their skills, allowing them to focus on complex tasks. The combination of AI and human skills boosts productivity and quality. AI also optimizes resource use and supports sustainability. Embracing AI is crucial for competitiveness, professionalization, and meeting industry demands, ushering in a brighter future for construction.

EarthCam, a leader in live camera technology and services, has announced a deep integration with Procore, a prominent construction management software provider. This partnership enhances Procore’s capabilities with visual data functionality and AI-powered features. EarthCam’s seventh-generation integration supports AI-powered jobsite cameras that populate Procore’s Daily Log with imagery and metadata, aiding in situational awareness, waste monitoring, manpower calculation, and access control. QR codes at entry points automatically log hours in Procore’s Timecards, and access-control APIs enable door systems management. AI algorithms detect workers operating at heights, improving safety monitoring. EarthCam also offers security cameras with continuous recording and IoT sensors to monitor jobsite conditions and manage waste logistics. This comprehensive integration extends to various sections in Procore, making EarthCam a valuable tool for construction project documentation, safety, and security.

AC3D is a pioneer in construction 3D printing technology, aiming to revolutionize the construction industry in the United States. They focus on reducing global housing shortages, lowering construction costs, and minimizing environmental impact through automation and innovative materials like cementless geopolymer. AC3D’s vertically integrated tech platform emphasizes precision, speed, modular assembly, and automation for sustainable building construction. They plan to expand printing capabilities, integrate AI-driven quality control, and introduce multi-material printing for even greater efficiency and quality. AC3D aims to lead the way in creating a more sustainable and innovative future in construction.

Egnyte has unveiled specialized AI solutions tailored for the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industries. These solutions simplify AI deployment, enhancing accuracy in AEC processes. Egnyte enables users to label jobsite photos and documents, facilitating efficient workflows and policies. This initiative is part of Egnyte’s adaptable content intelligence engine, with plans to introduce more industry-specific AI models. The company also aims to empower non-technical users to train their classification models securely. This development responds to the unique needs of regulated business environments, ensuring accuracy and reliability in AI applications. Egnyte’s content intelligence engine underpins various content management, security, and compliance services, including generative AI solutions for document and media content retrieval.

Paradigm Omni has partnered with Threekit, a leading visual commerce platform, to transform how windows and doors are sold. Paradigm Omni, a cloud-based configuration and sales solution for the building industry, merges with Threekit’s immersive 3D and augmented reality platform. This collaboration enhances customer engagement, offering real-time personalized window and door configurations with stunning visualizations. Users can customize materials, explore options, and view products in augmented reality. The synergy of technologies empowers dealers to sell more effectively. It represents a significant advancement in the fenestration industry, simplifying the sales process and providing a unique visual experience for customers.

Deltek, a global provider of project-based business software, has expanded its partnership with Deltek ComputerEase within the Procore platform. This collaboration enhances integration within the construction industry, streamlining financial and project management. Procore, a leading construction management software provider, will join the Deltek Marketplace, offering more value to project-based businesses. The partnership aims to provide accurate, real-time data sharing between the jobsite and the back office, increasing efficiency and decision-making. It benefits thousands of construction stakeholders who rely on Deltek and Procore for their needs, ultimately improving project management effectiveness and profitability. This marks a significant milestone in Deltek’s involvement in the Procore App Marketplace, facilitating seamless data synchronization and collaboration for contractors and their accounting teams.

Cecilian Partners, a proptech firm specializing in digital solutions for home builders and land developers, recently secured $11 million in its first institutional equity round, with Resolve Growth Partners as the lead investor. The funding will drive product innovation, expand the team, and enhance customer success initiatives. Cecilian has experienced rapid growth, tripling its revenue in the past year and growing its client base by 65%. This investment comes at a time when early-stage funding has been challenging, indicating confidence in Cecilian’s growth potential. The firm’s focus on digitizing the land and property development process has resonated with clients across multiple states, particularly in Texas and Florida. Cecilian plans to increase its workforce by 50% over the next year, concentrating on key locations like Chicago, Dallas, Raleigh, and its headquarters in New Hope, Pennsylvania.

Virtek Vision has introduced the IRIS™ Ai Panel Inspection System, a revolutionary technology showcased at the Building Component Manufacturers Conference in Indianapolis. This system combines Virtek’s established vision and laser projection systems with advanced artificial intelligence (AI) to inspect prefabricated wooden panels swiftly. It eliminates manual inspection costs and time, identifies defects before leaving the factory, and maintains a digital record of inspections. The IRIS™ Ai Panel Inspection System uses multiple cameras to capture panel assemblies, deploys AI to spot anomalies, and employs a laser projection system to pinpoint issues like “shiners” and nail positioning during the inspection process. It provides real-time alerts for upstream issues, streamlining production. Virtek aims to apply this technology to other applications with ease. This innovation promises to enhance efficiency, reduce expenses, and elevate the quality of panel manufacturing.

Aurigo Software has upgraded its Aurigo Engage platform, an AI-based community engagement tool designed for public agency officials involved in projects. The latest version offers an automated onboarding experience for professionals in communications, planning, and project management, allowing them to quickly start using the software. Users can also access a free 30-day trial before committing. Engage facilitates public involvement in projects, with members of the public providing instant feedback via social media. It employs sentiment analysis and emotion AI to categorize and display feedback data, aiding agencies in responding effectively. Additionally, the platform now supports multiple languages, including Spanish and French, and can be used for individual initiatives or multi-project programs. Aurigo Software has benefited from increased public investment following the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act’s passage in 2021, offering capital planning, project management, and right-of-way solutions to clients in the United States and Canada, including various departments of transportation and cities like Houston and Las Vegas.