by Arnie Gess, president of Construction Links Network.

Welcome to your weekly dose of construction technology insights powered by Construction Links Network. Every week, we dive into the tools, trends, and tech that are reshaping how our industry builds smarter, faster, and more sustainably. Whether you’re on the jobsite or in the boardroom, this blog is your reliable resource for staying current with innovations in software, materials, AI, robotics, BIM, and more.

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RIB Software, a leading provider of construction and BIM solutions since 1961, has been named a Leader in the 2025 Verdantix Green Quadrant for Construction Management Software. Recognized alongside Autodesk and Procore, RIB earned this distinction for its strong product capabilities, market momentum, and commitment to helping construction teams build smarter, safer, and more sustainably. The Verdantix report, which evaluates 12 top CMS vendors through rigorous demos and detailed analysis, highlighted RIB’s robust health and safety compliance, strong field operations and mobile features, and comprehensive one-stop-shop CMS suite with a clear roadmap for AI, analytics, and 6D BIM. This recognition underscores RIB’s role as a strategic technology partner, unifying complex industry demands through advanced analytics and mobile-first design while supporting greater efficiency, safety, and sustainability in the built environment.

Handoff, the leading AI-first estimating platform for residential construction, has launched the industry’s first AI Assistant that transforms drawings, photos, and videos into accurate, localized estimates and ready-to-send proposals—all from a single chat thread. Designed to save contractors time and eliminate tedious document management, the new AI Assistant delivers instant estimates by extracting dimensions, counting materials, and pricing scopes automatically from uploaded files. It also enables seamless, assistant-anywhere workflows for creating estimates, proposals, change orders, and invoices without navigating complex menus. With AI-native file management, users can store, tag, and retrieve project files easily. Early users report dramatically faster proposal turnaround times—from hours to minutes—while improving bid accuracy.

The global modular construction market was valued at $131.1 billion in 2021 and is projected to reach $234.7 billion by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 6.1% from 2022 to 2031, according to Allied Market Research. The report provides an in-depth analysis of market trends, key segments, regional performance, and the competitive landscape. Despite a slowdown during the COVID-19 pandemic due to reduced construction activity, the market recovered by late 2021 as companies resumed full-scale operations. The permanent modular segment led the market in 2021, while relocatable modules are forecast to see the fastest growth. Steel remains the dominant material, but concrete is expected to grow at the highest rate. Residential construction was the largest end-user segment, with industrial applications projected to expand rapidly. Regionally, North America held the largest share in 2021, while Asia-Pacific is poised for the highest growth through 2031. Major players include Skanska AB, Bechtel Corporation, and Lendlease Corporation, among others, who are leveraging strategies like expansion and partnerships to strengthen market position.

HammerTech has unveiled HammerTech Intelligence, an AI-powered suite designed to transform construction site safety by automating admin tasks, delivering real-time insights, and supporting faster, data-driven decisions. Built on a platform trusted for over 20,000 projects and five million worker inductions worldwide, this new capability leverages the world’s largest construction safety dataset to deliver unmatched precision. The first release includes Pre-Task Plan Meeting Capture (automated transcription and hazard identification), Observation Photo Recognition (AI-driven classification for faster, more accurate reporting), and SDS Form Autofill (eliminating repetitive data entry). HammerTech Intelligence integrates seamlessly into existing workflows, reducing paperwork and enhancing safety visibility without adding complexity. CEO Ben Leach emphasizes a focus on solving real-world challenges with practical tools that simplify work on site. Available from July 8, 2025, in North America, Australia, and New Zealand, HammerTech Intelligence marks a new era in safety technology—empowering teams to act faster and more confidently while minimizing risk.

Toronto Hydro is partnering with OPEN Technologies to offer eligible building owners free access to OPEN’s AI-powered Virtual Decarbonization Planning tool, enabling them to plan cost-effective, energy-efficient retrofits. The tool uses advanced modelling to assess current energy use and identify the most effective strategies for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and energy costs, supporting retrofits like heat pumps, EV charging, solar, and battery storage. This initiative aligns with Toronto Hydro’s commitment to advancing electrification and reducing citywide emissions by making deep energy retrofits more accessible and scalable. By providing virtual audits and actionable plans, the collaboration empowers property owners to make informed, data-driven decisions that drive meaningful decarbonization and energy savings across Toronto’s built environment.

Flowfinity Inc. has launched the Flowfinity Embedded Client, enabling organizations to integrate Flowfinity’s powerful data capture and workflow automation directly into their own branded mobile apps. This new capability lets teams work entirely within their familiar app environment while accessing enterprise-grade data management, real-time workflows, dashboards, and offline functionality. By eliminating the need to switch between platforms, companies can deliver a seamless user experience under their own branding, with full control over access and permissions. The no-code interface allows for easy customization and updates without republishing the entire app, enhancing field productivity and operational visibility. Available now for iOS and Android, the Flowfinity Embedded Client empowers businesses to streamline inspections, reporting, and asset management while ensuring reliable, synced data—even offline.

Bentley Systems has announced an open API framework for its Blyncsy roadway intelligence solution, making advanced transportation analytics more accessible to third-party developers, businesses, and users through a new self-service portal. This open API enables seamless integration with Blyncsy’s AI-powered, crowdsourced imagery platform, which delivers actionable insights for roadway asset detection, condition analysis, and transportation planning. Features include access to dash camera imagery with pedestrian and bicyclist detection models, as well as existing capabilities such as debris and vegetation identification, with additional detections planned for 2025. By streamlining integration, Bentley aims to support smart city initiatives, autonomous vehicle development, fleet management, and disaster recovery planning.

GPRS has unveiled a significant update to its infrastructure visualization and delivery platform, SiteMap® (patent pending), introducing the new Sewer Layer feature. This enhancement allows customers using GPRS’s NASSCO-compliant CCTV video pipe inspection services to view every geolocated sewer pipe segment—including flow direction, material, cross bores, and defect details—directly within the platform. Users can assess pipeline conditions, review defects by severity and type, and access in-app video footage of their entire wastewater system, all with precise RTK positioning for accurate mapping. Designed for facility managers, municipalities, and large campuses, the SiteMap Sewer Layer provides 24/7 access to critical wastewater infrastructure data, empowering teams to plan upgrades, expansions, and repairs with confidence. According to GPRS Chief Strategy Officer Jason Schaff, this update addresses two major challenges for customers: knowing exactly where their sewer lines are and understanding their condition, all accessible from anywhere via the SiteMap platform.

A team of veteran building professionals has launched Code Pro Resources, a new online platform designed to simplify building code compliance for DIY enthusiasts and construction professionals. Founded by industry experts with over 90 years of combined experience, Code Pro Resources offers clear, expert guidance on building codes, covering topics like the International Building Code, fire safety, and energy efficiency. Initially serving eight Southeastern U.S. states, the platform features residential and commercial packages that deliver expert Q&A consultations, video guidance, and tailored code insights. Users can choose one-time questions or larger packages, with membership benefits including discounted rates, exclusive resources, virtual roundtables, and business promotion as Endorsed Members. Designed for homeowners, contractors, architects, and engineers, Code Pro Resources helps avoid costly errors, re-inspection fees, and delays by providing on-demand, certified expertise to ensure compliance at every project stage. The founders—Brian L. Blackwell, Brent Bullard, and Ruthie Helms—bring deep credentials and leadership in code enforcement to create a trusted, accessible resource for safer, compliant construction across the U.S.

Cupix, a global leader in AI-powered progress tracking and spatial intelligence, has announced seamless integration with the new Insta360 X5 camera, enhancing reality capture workflows for architecture, engineering, construction, and facility management professionals. By combining Insta360’s advanced dual 1/1.28” sensors with Cupix’s AI-driven platform, users gain sharper visuals, improved low-light performance, and richer 3D data for more accurate measurements and detailed digital twins. This integration supports superior dollhouse models, clearer virtual walkthroughs, and streamlined field-to-office collaboration. With up to 185 minutes of continuous recording, the Insta360 X5 also minimizes interruptions, boosting on-site efficiency.

Septentrio, a leader in high-precision GNSS positioning, has added the onocoy GNSS correction service to its Agnostic Corrections Partner Program, offering users more flexibility in choosing high-accuracy correction solutions for varied applications and regions. Onocoy’s decentralized, crowdfunded RTK network delivers reliable, cost-effective positioning for sectors like agriculture, mining, drones, robotics, autonomous vehicles, and geodesy. By leveraging Web3 and blockchain technology, onocoy ensures secure, transparent, and efficient data sharing while actively monitoring base stations for consistent service quality. This integration expands correction coverage in remote areas and allows Septentrio customers to access single-base RTK corrections globally through one account.

Kwant and United Rentals have formed a strategic partnership to transform construction site management by combining the world’s largest equipment rental platform with cutting-edge IoT technology. This collaboration delivers smarter, safer, and more sustainable job sites through innovations like real-time equipment monitoring, a “single badge system” for secure access, and workforce management software that improves visibility and safety. Contractors benefit from flexible, cost-effective equipment access while reducing theft, misuse, and idle time. IoT-enabled insights help optimize resource use, lower emissions, and support sustainability goals. Already deployed on major projects such as Ford Blue Oval City and with leading firms like EllisDon and NUCOR, this partnership is setting a new industry standard.

Tata Steel has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Australia’s InQuik Group to introduce modular bridge systems across India. This partnership combines Tata Steel’s manufacturing expertise with InQuik’s award-winning, ready-to-install bridge design, which uses prefabricated steel moulds filled with concrete on-site for faster, cost-effective construction. The approach aims to improve connectivity in remote areas with limited infrastructure, supporting India’s push for stronger transport links and rural development. Tata Steel sees this collaboration as part of its strategy to move beyond raw materials into delivering smart, sustainable construction solutions that address India’s modern infrastructure needs. InQuik, in turn, views India as a key growth market for its technology. Both companies will now identify projects best suited for this system, promising quicker, safer travel and stronger trade routes while helping connect communities long left behind.

South Korea’s top construction firms, Samsung C&T’s Engineering & Construction division and Hyundai Engineering & Construction (Hyundai E&C), have joined forces to develop construction robotics technology, aiming to boost safety and efficiency amid stricter regulatory pressures. Their collaboration, formalized in 2023, recently produced a “smart material-handling robot” unveiled at a Cheongna, Incheon site. This autonomous, forklift-like robot uses advanced driving algorithms and obstacle detection to transport materials safely and can coordinate with multiple units via a centralized control system. The partnership aligns with the goals of the government-backed Smart Construction Alliance—chaired by Samsung C&T and supported by Hyundai E&C’s expertise in big data and robotics—as the industry braces for tougher safety laws that could impose hefty fines for workplace fatalities.

UK-based technology firm 36Zero has announced its expansion into Saudi Arabia with a new office in Riyadh, strengthening its commitment to transforming construction, mining, and oil & gas operations through AI and IoT solutions. Supported by AstroLabs, the Gulf’s leading business expansion platform, 36Zero aims to deepen partnerships with major players like Aramco, Ma’aden, and Diriyah Company while supporting giga projects such as NEOM and New Murabba. Leveraging its strong track record in digitising labour mobilisation, cost control, and worker safety, the company plans to serve over 1 million migrant workers and contribute to Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals. With the kingdom’s $1 trillion infrastructure pipeline and upcoming global events like Riyadh Expo 2030, 36Zero’s integrated platform is set to enhance productivity, safety compliance, and operational efficiency across strategic sectors.