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

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Discover the latest in construction innovation with Construction Links Network’s weekly Construction Technology Blog—your go-to source for insights on how tech is transforming the industry. Each week, we explore cutting-edge tools, software, materials, and trends shaping design, planning, project management, and on-site execution. Whether you’re a contractor, engineer, or industry leader, our blog delivers timely updates and expert perspectives to keep you informed and ahead in the fast-evolving world of construction technology.

Despite historically lagging in technology adoption, the construction industry may be on the brink of transformation through artificial intelligence (AI), according to James Gallagher, Principal at Resolution Management Consultants. While reports from Deloitte, McKinsey, and KPMG cite challenges like fragmentation, analog culture, and project uniqueness, Gallagher sees AI as a game-changer. He believes AI’s potential to reduce disputes and drive efficiencies will be too valuable to ignore. Gallagher identifies key risk factors in construction—such as poor planning, scheduling issues, contract disputes, and defective workmanship—and outlines six ways AI can minimize these challenges. These include improving project planning, enabling real-time updates, enhancing scheduling accuracy, conducting advanced contract analysis, streamlining communication, and utilizing machine learning for continuous improvement. By proactively addressing inefficiencies and risks, AI offers the industry a powerful tool for cost savings, better collaboration, and higher project success rates.

Skanska, a global leader in construction and development, has unveiled Safety Sidekick, an AI-powered assistant designed to enhance job site safety nationwide. Accessible on both mobile and desktop devices, the tool consolidates Skanska’s EHS Manual, OSHA construction standards, and other key safety resources into a single, user-friendly platform. Safety Sidekick delivers real-time, context-aware guidance tailored to job site conditions, helping teams apply best practices, ensure regulatory compliance, and support safety classification and documentation. As part of Skanska’s broader Expert Sidekicks AI suite, the tool reflects the company’s strategic investment in digital innovation, empowering teams with actionable insights that drive safer, more efficient project delivery. According to Skanska’s Chief EHS Officer Paul Haining, the assistant reinforces Skanska’s longstanding commitment to safety and operational excellence. Chief Strategy Officer Anita Nelson emphasizes its role in embedding data-informed strategies at the core of Skanska’s operations.

As technological disruption reshapes the construction sector, Info-Tech Research Group’s new report, The Future of the Construction Industry, offers strategic guidance for IT leaders navigating this rapid transformation. The report outlines four key trends—sustainability, extended realities (XR), artificial intelligence (AI), and robotics & drones—highlighting how these technologies are modernizing operations, improving project delivery, and enabling scalable, sustainable growth. With construction firms under pressure to digitize despite limited internal capabilities, the report emphasizes the importance of strategic foresight, risk management, and innovation to remain competitive. Info-Tech’s insights show how AI and automation can drive data-informed decisions, XR can enhance design and collaboration, and robotics can improve safety and efficiency. As consumer demands evolve and sustainability becomes central to operations, early tech adoption is essential for long-term success. The report calls for a practical, opportunity-driven approach that blends emerging technology with real-world construction challenges to build smarter, more resilient infrastructure.

The latest episode of the Holmes on Homes Podcast (Season 5, Episode 5), titled “Could 3D Printing Solve Big Problems in Construction—Faster & Cheaper?”, explores how 3D printing is revolutionizing the construction industry. Host Mike Holmes speaks with Randy Janes of Wave of the Future 3D and Murray Pound of Generations Master Builder about the technology’s growing role in building affordable, sustainable, and faster housing solutions. 3D printing allows for precise, layer-by-layer construction using materials like concrete and recycled plastics, significantly reducing waste, labour costs, and project timelines. The podcast highlights its ability to print custom retrofit parts, minimize job site waste, and support eco-friendly building methods. As traditional construction faces challenges with speed, cost, and sustainability, 3D printing presents a practical solution—especially for affordable and emergency housing. With its potential to transform material efficiency and reduce environmental impact, this emerging technology is paving the way for a more sustainable, innovative future in residential and commercial construction.

The global construction management software market is set to grow significantly, with an estimated value of US$ 17.35 billion in 2025, projected to reach US$ 34.49 billion by 2032, at a CAGR of 10.3%, according to a new report by Coherent Market Insights. The report offers in-depth analysis of market dynamics, including growth drivers, challenges, technological advancements, and emerging trends shaping the industry’s future. Covering deployment models (cloud and on-premise), building types (commercial and residential), and key user groups (builders, engineers, and architects), the study provides actionable insights backed by extensive primary and secondary research. It also includes a competitive landscape featuring major players like Autodesk, Oracle, Procore, Trimble, and Bentley Systems. With rising demand for efficient project delivery, digital collaboration, and real-time analytics, construction firms are increasingly turning to software solutions to enhance productivity and profitability. The report also evaluates regional growth across North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, South America, and the Middle East & Africa

ZS2 Technologies has launched its second-generation (Gen 2) magnesium cement building materials, offering a certified, low-carbon, fire-resistant alternative to traditional gypsum, OSB, and imported MgO products. Backed by over $9.9 million in grant funding and developed using domestically sourced industrial by-products, Gen 2 materials are now entering commercial production across North America. Engineered for superior performance, the Gen 2 lineup includes ZS2TechTile™ for non-combustible raised flooring, ZS2TechStone™ for exterior cladding, and ZS2TechBoard™ for interior wet areas and structural sheathing. With ASTM E136-19a non-combustibility certification and a robust portfolio of third-party validations, these materials address critical challenges in sustainability, durability, and supply chain reliability. CEO Scott Jenkins emphasizes that ZS2 is delivering proven, spec-ready products at a time when the construction industry faces growing demand for fire resilience, emissions reduction, and material innovation. With full board production scaling in 2025, ZS2 is redefining magnesium cement manufacturing and setting a new standard for climate-resilient construction materials in North America.

In Toronto’s west end, a former church site has become a model for affordable housing with the completion of a 25-unit modular building by non-profit developer St. Clare’s in collaboration with Assembly Corp. Built in just eight months using mass timber modular construction, the project provides housing to individuals previously experiencing homelessness. With support from federal, municipal, and private funding, the initiative showcases how modular housing can address Canada’s growing affordability crisis. Experts highlight modular construction’s speed, cost-efficiency, and environmental benefits, while stressing that government support and consistent demand are essential for scaling production. As Canada faces a severe housing shortage, municipalities like Peterborough, London, and Ottawa are turning to prefabricated housing solutions. Leaders, including Prime Minister Mark Carney and Ontario Premier Doug Ford, are pledging significant investments in factory-built homes to boost supply.