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.

Revizto recently unveiled the comprehensive agenda for RevUP 2024, their second global user conference, emphasizing collaboration within the Architecture, Engineering, Construction, and Operations (AECO) industry. Held from March 18-20 at the Gaylord Rockies Resort & Convention Center in Denver, Colorado, the event aims to unite industry leaders, partners, and users worldwide to foster innovation and progress. Featuring keynote speakers, cutting-edge technologies, panel discussions, and educational sessions, the conference encourages networking and showcases creative workflows and case studies. Founder and CEO Arman Gukasyan invites industry stakeholders to partake in discussions, promoting industry advancement. The event includes an Expert Level 2 Certification launch, networking opportunities, an awards ceremony, and discounted tickets available until December 31st on the RevUP website.

The UBC Faculty of Applied Science researchers are converting construction vehicles like cranes, forklifts, and excavators into AI-powered smart construction robots. Led by Dr. Tony Yang, these robots aim to expedite construction, enhance site safety, and tackle labor shortages. Unlike existing robots, these customized versions handle the complexities of construction, recognize objects, conduct detailed scans, and create digital replicas of sites for precision building. With autonomous decision-making capabilities, these robots can navigate obstacles and prioritize safety by halting work if a worker is endangered. They are poised to revolutionize the industry by excelling in modular construction and expediting traditional processes. This technology’s future entails complete digitization of construction sites, real-time monitoring, optimized machine usage, and reduced environmental impact, likely maturing within a decade.

DIGITAL, Canada’s Global Innovation Cluster for digital technologies based in Vancouver, has initiated the Housing Growth Innovation Program to bolster housing production in British Columbia. To tackle the projected need for hundreds of thousands of new housing units by 2030, this program fosters collaboration among industry, government, and academia to pioneer solutions across the housing construction cycle, including large-scale residential construction, prefab, and mass timber. Through a $9M investment from the BC Government, DIGITAL aims to develop a diverse portfolio of digital innovations, fostering a conducive environment for growth and economic potential within the province’s housing construction sector. Led by CEO Sue Paish, DIGITAL’s program aligns with the government’s drive for innovation, aiming to streamline housing development and leverage existing technology to expedite the process, as stated by Minister of Housing, Ravi Kahlon. Those interested are encouraged to explore the program’s proposal page to contribute and engage in the endeavor.

MOCA Systems, Inc. introduces a tailored program facilitating Bosch RefinemySite users to transition to Touchplan, a top-tier construction planning platform. This initiative integrates data migration tech, expert training, and flexible terms to safeguard customer investments and streamline their Lean Construction path. MSI’s CEO, Sandy Hamby, highlights Touchplan’s Pull Planning technology, reinforcing Lean Construction. The Step Up to Touchplan offers RefinemySite users discounts, dedicated support, data migration aid, free training, and direct interaction with experts. Jason Lyon, Touchplan’s VP, emphasizes MSI’s commitment to customer satisfaction through quick responses, personalized assistance, and continual planning enhancement.

The Hilti Group, a construction industry leader, is adopting the Circelligence tool developed by Boston Consulting Group on SAP Business Technology Platform to enhance resource circularity. This move responds to the construction sector’s massive environmental impact, using 50% of global mined materials. Prioritizing circular economy practices, Hilti aims to set industry sustainability benchmarks. With Circelligence, it computes qualitative and quantitative circularity scores, leveraging BTP to automate updates and track resources through the value chain. This effort ensures transparent operations and promotes circularity, showcasing reuse initiatives and sustainable remanufacturing processes at Hilti’s global repair centers. Collaborating with SAP and BCG, Hilti envisions setting a sustainability standard in construction, advancing circularity with innovative digital solutions and aiming for wider adoption across industries to optimize resource efficiency.

Researchers at ETH Zurich’s Robotic Systems Lab have developed an autonomous excavator, HEAP, capable of constructing stone walls without human intervention. HEAP, trained to handle boulders weighing several tonnes, built a 6-meter-high, 65-meter-long wall autonomously. Using LiDAR sensors, machine vision, and specific tools, the excavator scans and grabs large stones, determining their weight and center of gravity. An algorithm guides the placement of 20 to 30 stones per delivery with precise accuracy. This advancement may accelerate sustainable construction by utilizing locally-sourced materials and minimizing waste. Despite challenges, like safety concerns and the complexity of construction sites, robotics innovations, such as hyperTunnel’s tunnel excavation and COBOD’s giant 3D printers, signal promising developments for faster, safer, and more sustainable construction methods.

By early 2024, Steven Beites anticipates completing a prototype robot for handling modular housing panels, aiming to transform Northern Ontario’s residential construction. This robotic system, developed through Beites’ research, involves a cable-driven parallel robot (CDPR) facilitating automated construction tasks. The project aims to integrate automation into the building process, enabling faster and more cost-effective designs. This development aligns with addressing skilled labor shortages and the need for housing growth in Ontario, offering potential benefits for construction efficiency and attracting tech-savvy youth into the sector. Beites’ CDPR, designed for ease of use and portability, holds promise for communities with limited access and stringent construction timelines in Northern Ontario, representing a significant step toward demonstrating its capabilities for industry and government stakeholders.

Luyten 3D, a pioneering Australian company in 3D printing, initiated the Construction 3D Printing World Council, an inaugural global body dedicated to setting standards and guidelines for the rapidly evolving construction 3D printing sector. Revealed at the prestigious Formnext Exhibition in Frankfurt, this council consists of 40+ leading manufacturers including Luyten 3D and Construction-3D. Ahmed Mahil, Luyten 3D’s CEO, was appointed Secretary General, emphasizing the necessity for global oversight due to the industry’s rapid growth. The council’s mission involves promoting collaboration, innovation, and best practices while addressing the challenges of 3D printing in construction. This collaborative effort aims to expedite 3D printing’s adoption in construction, with a focus on establishing best practices, sustainability, cost-effectiveness, and networking opportunities for industry professionals.

Vizcab, a SaaS platform focusing on Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) to reduce construction project carbon impact, secured €5 million in Series A funding. This investment, led by KOMPAS VC with other investors like Rise PropTech Fund and Cemex Ventures, aims to expand operations and fortify net-zero building strategies using AI-powered solutions across Europe. Founded in 2015, Vizcab connects various stakeholders in construction, aiding in LCA calculations, environmental compliance, and carbon budget adherence. With upcoming EU regulations making LCAs mandatory for new buildings by 2027, Co-founder Dr. Jusselme emphasized managing emissions throughout projects. Vizcab’s platform integrates seamlessly into industry-standard construction tools, empowering real estate developers to control project carbon footprints efficiently. KOMPAS VC views Vizcab as a leader in sustainability, believing its approach aligns with the global shift towards carbon neutrality and can revolutionize construction practices globally.