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.

SkillsAware and Learning Agents have announced a strategic partnership to enhance skills recognition across Canada using AI-driven technology and deep sector expertise. This collaboration combines SkillsAware’s human-centered, AI-powered platform—developed by Edalex, SkillsIQ, and Dr. Mark Keough—with Learning Agents’ established Canadian presence and platforms like CanCred.ca. Together, they aim to empower individuals to identify, validate, and showcase skills gained through education, work, and informal learning, while also helping organizations map workforce competencies and address development needs. The initiative supports lifelong learning, career mobility, and improved employment outcomes by offering innovative, evidence-based credentialing tools.

Skema, Inc. has announced a major update with the launch of Skema 2025, now featuring seamless integration with Rhino. This powerful enhancement enables architects and designers to transform Rhino models into high-fidelity, constructable BIM deliverables—without scripting, manual remodeling, or compromising design intent. Leveraging a proprietary AI engine, Skema 2025 also introduces intelligent Design Catalogs, allowing firms to repurpose successful past projects into reusable, data-rich design elements. These catalogs support no-code generative design, streamlining workflows and preserving intellectual property. Skema’s new capabilities enable design teams to transition from conceptual massing to coordinated, engineering-aware BIM models faster and with greater accuracy. The system is designed for users of all skill levels, removing traditional bottlenecks and reducing rework across the design-to-documentation lifecycle.

MindCloud, a leader in software integrations, has announced a strategic partnership with ServiceTitan, the top software platform for the trades. This collaboration aims to eliminate digital silos and streamline operations for home and commercial service providers. With service businesses increasingly relying on a mix of tools—like QuickBooks, NetSuite, HubSpot, and ERP systems—MindCloud’s white-glove integration services now enable seamless connectivity across platforms. This partnership empowers ServiceTitan users to sync data in real-time, eliminate manual entry, automate workflows, and gain unified visibility into operations and financial performance. By bridging fragmented workflows, MindCloud and ServiceTitan are helping businesses focus on growth and efficiency instead of struggling with disconnected systems. Integration services are available now.

PlanChecker.ai has officially launched its cutting-edge AI platform designed to revolutionize the building plan review and permitting process. Tailored for architects, developers, and construction professionals, the tool is already gaining traction in California, with plans to expand nationwide. By automating code compliance checks and generating accurate plan takeoffs in minutes, PlanChecker.ai reduces costly delays, rework, and approval setbacks. The platform supports all major plan areas—including architectural, structural, MEP, and fire safety—and offers features like real-time plan verification, automated material estimation, and sustainability recommendations. Built for both public and private sector use, it empowers users to catch issues early, streamline workflows, and submit higher-quality applications. “We’re helping professionals save time, reduce frustration, and enable better design outcomes,” said CEO Matthew Raanan. With broader automation tools expected by 2026, PlanChecker.ai is setting a new industry standard in plan review efficiency.

EllisDon Corporation has announced a strategic partnership with The Phil App, integrating the platform into its Technology Ecosystem to revolutionize how the company sources and disposes of excess soil and aggregate. By using Phil’s free, open marketplace, EllisDon will list available materials and digitally track their movement from source to destination—enabling greater operational efficiency, compliance, and sustainability. The platform helps divert materials from landfills to nearby construction projects, reducing haulage distances by up to 60% compared to provincial averages. This results in significant carbon emissions savings and economic benefits. The partnership aligns with EllisDon’s commitment to digital transformation and future-proofing its sustainability efforts. “This isn’t just about moving material—it’s about understanding our carbon impact and improving the industry,” said Brandon Milner, Chief Innovation Officer at EllisDon. Phil’s marketplace is now publicly accessible, allowing contractors, developers, and municipalities to match with EllisDon’s excess material listings in real-time.

Buildots, a Chicago-based startup founded in 2018, is transforming construction site management with its AI-powered platform that uses 360-degree cameras and computer vision to track project progress in real time. Mounted on site managers’ hard hats, these cameras feed data into a system that not only monitors work but predicts risks and delays. A built-in chatbot allows teams to query project status instantly, enabling data-driven decisions across the board. With clients like Intel and over 50 construction firms, Buildots is gaining momentum—backed by a new $45 million Series D funding round led by Qumra Capital. This brings its total funding to $166 million, which will support the expansion of its platform to cover more phases of the construction lifecycle. The company aims to optimize performance by training AI models with historical project data. With more than 230 employees and plans to grow its North American presence, Buildots stands out among AI-driven construction tech firms for its operations-focused, performance-driven approach.

WakeCap, a global leader in sensor-powered project intelligence for construction and oil & gas, has raised $28 million in a Series A round led by UP.Partners. With deployments on over $80 billion in active projects—including NEOM, Aramco, and King Salman Park—the platform provides real-time jobsite visibility into workforce activity, safety, productivity, and project progress. WakeCap’s rugged IoT hardware and enterprise software have delivered impressive results: 91% fewer safety incidents, 25% productivity gains, and 70% faster incident responses. The funding will accelerate WakeCap’s global expansion, deepen integration with partners like Oracle and OpenSpace, and enhance product capabilities. The company’s unique position—bridging Silicon Valley innovation with Saudi-scale delivery—has made it a standout in the digitization of construction.

Converge, a UK-based leader in AI-powered concrete management and decarbonization, has secured $22 million in a funding round led by ABN AMRO Sustainable Impact Fund (SIF), with participation from Climate Investment and several new and existing investors. The investment will accelerate the global expansion of Converge’s flagship platform, ConcreteDNA, which leverages generative and predictive AI to optimize concrete mixes, reduce embodied carbon, and improve efficiency on construction sites. With concrete production accounting for roughly 8% of global CO₂ emissions, Converge’s technology provides real-time monitoring and actionable insights that enable contractors to lower carbon output and cut resource waste. The funding signals a strong commitment to decarbonizing one of the world’s most carbon-intensive industries and supports Converge’s mission to build a smarter, greener construction sector.

Exterra Carbon Solutions, a Canadian cleantech startup, has closed a CAD $20 million Series A funding round co-led by Clean Energy Ventures and BDC Capital, bringing total investment to $32 million. The funds will support Exterra’s flagship Hub I project in Quebec—set to become the world’s largest asbestos mitigation facility, processing over 300,000 tonnes of asbestos mine tailings annually. Exterra’s breakthrough dual-process platform—LOW™ and ROC™—transforms mining waste into carbon-neutral materials like magnesium oxide, while permanently sequestering CO₂ without traditional carbon capture. The platform also yields high-demand by-products such as nickel for EV batteries and amorphous silica for sustainable building materials. Leveraging Quebec’s hydro-powered grid and abundant tailings supply, Exterra aims to create one of the shortest, most sustainable nickel supply chains in North America.

Suffolk Technologies has announced a strategic investment in Sublime Systems, a cleantech innovator revolutionizing cement production with a low-carbon, electrochemical process. This breakthrough method eliminates the need for high-heat kilns, drastically reducing emissions from one of the world’s most carbon-intensive materials—cement, which contributes around 8% of global CO₂ emissions. In addition to financial backing, Suffolk has pre-purchased capacity from Sublime’s upcoming commercial plant in Holyoke, Massachusetts, signaling a strong commitment to advancing sustainable construction. Sublime’s proprietary technology operates at ambient temperatures and aims to achieve cost parity with traditional portland cement at scale. The collaboration aligns with Suffolk Technologies’ mission to drive innovation and sustainability in the built environment by supporting game-changing solutions that address critical industry challenges.

RenoQuest, a leading project management platform for multifamily renovations, is now accepting a limited number of U.S.-based test users to access its full suite of features for free. Designed to simplify complex renovation workflows, RenoQuest centralizes budgeting, contractor coordination, and project timeline tracking into one intuitive platform. Ideal for property owners, managers, or renovation coordinators overseeing two or more units, the platform helps reduce project delays, streamline communication, and cut admin time by over 60%. Early users will have full access to premium features, direct collaboration with the RenoQuest product team, and no long-term commitment or credit card required.

Top Flight Software has launched a powerful new workforce management platform designed to enhance operational efficiency for the construction and event industries. The platform offers seamless onboarding via mobile-friendly forms, interactive orientation modules, advanced mass texting for real-time communication, and robust reporting with predictive analytics. Project managers can easily verify credentials, ensure compliance, and keep teams informed with targeted updates. Powered by Safe Site USA’s AI systems, the platform’s predictive analytics provide actionable insights to anticipate bottlenecks, improve resource allocation, and optimize productivity. Additional features in development include asset management, smart parking systems, drug testing integration, and loading dock solutions.

Edmonton has unveiled a groundbreaking strategy to become a global hub at the intersection of artificial intelligence and construction engineering. Developed by over 30 industry leaders, academics, and technical experts, the plan aims to unite Edmonton’s growing AI sector with its world-renowned construction and engineering industries. Spearheaded by the Edmonton Chamber of Commerce at the request of the Alberta government, the initiative promises to create 20,000 new tech-augmented trade jobs, boost productivity by 50% over the next decade, and attract $100 million in annual investment. Immediate actions include launching an AI x Construction Engineering (AI x CE) cluster organization, securing government support, and establishing a venture lab to accelerate innovation. Leaders from RoBIM, Clark Builders, and the University of Alberta highlighted Edmonton’s entrepreneurial roots and unique positioning to lead this transformation.

Rosendin Electric, based in Orange County, has developed an autonomous robotic system that revolutionizes solar panel installation by improving speed, safety, and efficiency while addressing the industry’s persistent labor shortages. Deployed at a solar farm near Abilene, Texas, the system combines a robotic arm with vacuum suction and panel-carrying robots, enabling a five-person crew to install nearly the same number of panels as a traditional larger crew—cutting workforce needs in half without eliminating jobs. Instead, it creates new roles in robotics programming, maintenance, and oversight. Using GPS, the system places solar panels with pinpoint accuracy—within 2 millimeters—and has passed rigorous testing with zero damage to the panels. The technology alleviates the physical burden on workers, especially under harsh conditions, and is currently available for licensing and manufacturing.

Aurigo Software, a leader in capital planning and construction management solutions, has appointed Dr. Sunil Kumar Vuppala as Vice President of AI Labs. Based in Bengaluru, Dr. Vuppala will spearhead the company’s global AI strategy, leading research and development efforts to embed AI into Aurigo’s core platforms, including Lumina and Masterworks. With over 20 years of experience in AI, ML, IoT, and automation, Dr. Vuppala brings a wealth of expertise, having led 100+ AI use cases, authored 35+ technical papers, and secured 40+ patents. His mission at Aurigo is to advance trustworthy, scalable AI technologies that deliver real-world impact across infrastructure and facility management. Previously, he served in senior roles at Ericsson, Philips Research, Infosys R&D, and Oracle.