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Friday, May 3, 2024
October 22, 2023
A look at the world of Construction Technology – by Arnie Gess, publisher of Construction Links Network.
Editorial submission deadline is every Tuesday – end of day. Ideal for news releases, blogs, podcasts, upcoming webinars, case studies, whitepapers and videos. Always free for members – see media kit.
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.
In the competitive environment of the construction industry, contractor management processes are being reshaped by the advent of innovative contractor software. These tailored software solutions are designed to address the unique needs of general contractors, providing a suite of management tools and key features that streamline operations and elevate project outcomes. Learn more by reading this blog by OnTraccr Technologies.
With so many stakeholders involved in each project, communication is critical in the AEC space, yet the industry struggles with effective communication. This can have negative ramifications as silos can cause stagnated productivity and increase error prone and redundant work. Technology is helping firms address these challenges while increasing collaboration and delivering real-time data and insights. SoftwareOne Canada recently spoke with two of their AEC industry consultants for more insight on this important topic. Read the blog here.
Sports stadiums are cultural touchstones. Whether it’s Chicago’s Wrigley Field, where the Cubs have played since 1916, or New York City’s Madison Square Garden, where the Knicks and Rangers compete when there aren’t concerts or other performances, these venues offer a gathering place for connection, entertainment, and celebration. Perhaps no single sports event in the United States is more celebrated than the Super Bowl. At this year’s Super Bowl LVII, 60,000 fans will gather at the State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, and another 190 million will tune in from around the world to cheer on the Kansas City Chiefs and the Philadelphia Eagles. Keep reading this blog courtesy of OpenSpace.
Construction site theft is an ongoing issue that hits the industry hard. In 2021 alone, more than 11,500 burglaries occurred on U.S. jobsites. The repercussions of theft and vandalism extend beyond the immediate financial burden, potentially leading to significant project delays, increased insurance premiums, and downtime for equipment operators. With each instance of equipment theft averaging around $30,000 in losses, a single breach could have devastating effects on contractors and their teams. In the world of construction, time is money, and every minute lost can have a profound impact on a project’s bottom line. To learn more about keeping jobsites secure and elevating your construction practice, read this blog, courtesy of TrueLook Construction Cameras.
Geo Week, the premier event that champions the coming together of geospatial technologies and the built world, is accepting nominations to celebrate excellence in the geospatial market. Geo Week, in partnership with LIDAR Magazine and Lidar News, is seeking nominations in multiple categories, including the Lidar Leader Awards and Younger Geospatial Professional of the Year Award, which honor the achievements of individuals and organizations working in geospatial technology. The nominations accepted through November 10, 2023.
Trimble and The Ohio State University have unveiled two state-of-the-art Trimble Technology Labs within the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES) at Ohio State. These labs are designed to bolster hands-on learning, teaching, research, and outreach activities in food and agricultural engineering, as well as construction management. The labs offer students access to cutting-edge agriculture and construction technologies, helping them prepare for careers in these fields. Importantly, the labs aim to address labor shortages in farming and construction industries by attracting a new generation of professionals and students interested in technology careers. They feature customized training workstations simulating the use of Trimble agriculture hardware and software, promoting interaction with technology before fieldwork.
RoadDogJobs, a leading online job board and community for the traveling craft workforce, has announced a strategic partnership with CraftWRX, a software provider specializing in solutions for the construction, energy turnaround, and maintenance industries. This partnership aims to seamlessly integrate job postings and applicant information between CraftWRX and RoadDogJobs, connecting CraftWRX clients with the traveling craft workforce community. It enables CraftWRX clients to easily access high-quality applicants from RoadDogJobs. The integration includes open job and applicant resume integration, enhancing the efficiency of connecting professionals with job opportunities. The collaboration reflects a commitment to bridging the gap between the traveling craft workforce and industrial construction companies, benefitting both job seekers and employers.
ikeGPS, a prominent provider of grid infrastructure data acquisition and analysis tools for electric utilities, communications companies, and engineering firms in the U.S., has introduced IKE PoleForeman structural analysis software. Building on PoleForeman’s 22-year reputation, the software enables users to conduct pole load analysis in compliance with or exceeding National Electrical Safety Code (NESC) standards for overhead pole line design. Invented by IKE’s Senior VP of Structural Analysis Malcolm Young, PoleForeman is widely trusted by major communication companies and seven of the ten largest investor-owned electric utilities in the U.S. The new software includes features like multiple-pole analysis and enhanced 3D graphics, aiming to enhance safety and productivity in the industry. It comes as the grid modernizes and the need for efficient pole analysis grows, benefiting organizations like engineering firms.
ADP, a global technology company specializing in human capital management solutions, has launched ADP Workforce Now for Construction, a comprehensive HCM solution tailored to address the unique challenges faced by construction firms. This specialized software assists in accurate payroll management, efficient HR operations, and effective worker recruitment and development. It aims to simplify complex tasks such as job costing, government compliance and reporting, attracting and retaining workers, union management, and overseeing multiple projects at various sites. The software offers features specific to the construction industry, including tracking regulatory requirements, managing union wages, and providing real-time attendance tracking, as well as broader HR suite capabilities. Clients also gain access to ADP’s Construction Center of Excellence for dedicated support.
The construction industry is one of the least digitized industries in the world,1 largely due to the cost of technology implementation and the notion that the lowest bid wins. As innovative technologies advance, the industry has realised that it can no longer sit still if it wants to effectively tackle productivity challenges and the growing volume of claims and disputes. This article explores the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) and its potential to drive efficiency, safety, sustainability, and effective dispute resolution.
In less than three years, the startup PaintJet, based in Hendersonville, Tennessee, has achieved remarkable success by utilizing a team of 20 employees and a fleet of remote-controlled robots to cover over 1.5 million square feet of building exteriors and ships. CEO Nick Hegeman, along with co-founders Steve Wasilowski and Sonia Chacko, founded the company to address labor shortages in the painting industry. Rather than designing complex humanoid robots, PaintJet developed modular robotics attached to a lift, similar to a cherry picker, which use cameras to scan and paint surfaces efficiently. They provide end-to-end painting services, offering both their own line of paints and reducing paint usage by around 25%. Their innovative approach has garnered investment interest and the potential to expand into a significant quarter-trillion-dollar industry. Additionally, PaintJet is exploring the use of robots for various construction and maintenance tasks, including pressure washing, caulking, and sanding.
The Hadrian X bricklaying robot is a groundbreaking construction machine that arrives at a building site in the form of a regular truck and then extends a 32-meter boom arm to precisely lay up to 300 large masonry blocks per hour. Developed by Fastbrick Robotics (FBR), it has been in development since its prototype days in 2015 and can construct the framework for a full-sized home in about two days, which is approximately 20 times faster than human bricklayers. In 2023, FBR has started commercial deployment, achieving a speed record of over 300 masonry blocks per hour during outdoor testing. It can handle large blocks, and it’s expected to get even faster, with a rated top speed of 500 blocks per hour. The robot is operated via tablet and follows CAD plans, with workers feeding blocks into the truck, which are then cut and placed by the robot, all within 45 minutes. The Hadrian X’s boom arm is long enough to build three-story structures and operates around the clock in various weather conditions.
