by Arnie Gess, president of Construction Links Network

The pace of innovation across construction continues to amaze me. AI, connected data, automation, and digital workflows are no longer future concepts, they’re solving real challenges on projects today.

As always, we’ve gathered the latest news, technology, and industry insights in one place to help you stay informed. Thanks for being part of the Construction Links Network community, and enjoy this week’s edition.

Have news to share? We’re always looking to spotlight forward-thinking companies and ideas. Submit your ConTech or PropTech updates by Thursday end of day for next week’s edition.

SDS Manager has launched SDS Manager EHS, a cloud-based environmental, health, and safety (EHS) platform designed to help organizations improve workplace safety, streamline compliance, and replace disconnected spreadsheets and legacy tools. The integrated solution combines incident management, risk management, and audit and inspection workflows into a single system, enabling safety teams to identify hazards, track corrective actions, and monitor compliance in real time. The platform also connects directly with Safety Data Sheet (SDS) management, chemical inventories, and risk assessments, providing a unified approach to chemical safety and regulatory compliance. Supporting OSHA, ISO 45001, and ISO 14001 requirements, SDS Manager EHS is built for industries including construction, manufacturing, energy, transportation, oil and gas, healthcare, and chemical processing. With mobile reporting capabilities and integrated near-miss tracking, the platform helps organizations reduce workplace incidents, strengthen safety culture, and improve operational performance through connected EHS data and proactive risk management.

Abaqus Inc. has expanded the ERP and payroll integration capabilities of its allGeo field service workflow automation platform, helping organizations improve job costing, accelerate payroll processing, and streamline workforce management across distributed field teams. The platform provides real-time, bi-directional synchronization between field operations, ERP systems, payroll, HR, CRM, and accounting software, eliminating duplicate data entry while improving labor tracking, scheduling, and project visibility. allGeo automatically synchronizes jobs, work orders, cost codes, employee assignments, and field updates, enabling more accurate labor allocation and project cost reporting. The solution also strengthens compliance with Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) requirements, prevailing wage regulations, union agreements, and certified payroll through location-verified workforce records and electronic audit trails.

LUYTEN has opened Early Reservations for its ASCEND A27 Automated Construction Platform, giving developers, contractors, government agencies, and infrastructure providers priority access to its next-generation AI-powered construction robotics solution. Designed for large-scale vertical construction, the ASCEND A27 transforms conventional tower cranes into intelligent robotic systems capable of automated 3D concrete printing while leveraging existing crane infrastructure. Built on technologies validated through LUYTEN’s Platypus® construction printer program—including Australia’s first fully 3D-printed multi-storey house—the platform combines robotics, artificial intelligence, real-time environmental monitoring, adaptive machine control, and digital manufacturing to improve construction productivity, precision, and efficiency. By integrating with established construction workflows instead of replacing existing equipment, the ASCEND A27 helps reduce barriers to automation while addressing industry challenges such as labour shortages, rising costs, and increasing demand for housing and infrastructure. Early Reservation customers will receive priority production allocation, introductory pricing, and implementation support as LUYTEN begins the global commercial rollout of its flagship automated construction platform, advancing the adoption of robotic construction technologies worldwide.

Pinnacle has announced the return of the FutureBuild 2026 Summit, taking place October 8–9, 2026, at the San Francisco Airport Marriott Waterfront. Centered on the theme “Construction Lifecycle. Reimagined.”, the event will bring together architects, engineers, contractors, owners, developers, and technology leaders to explore how connected digital ecosystems are transforming the entire construction lifecycle. The summit will focus on four key areas: Digital Design, BIM Engineering & Construction, Digital Construction Management, and Digital Operations Management, highlighting innovations in collaboration, project delivery, scheduling, digital twins, intelligent asset management, and long-term building performance. Through keynote presentations, expert panels, live technology demonstrations, and executive networking, attendees will gain practical insights into the latest construction technology, BIM, and digital transformation strategies shaping the AECO industry. FutureBuild 2026 aims to foster collaboration and accelerate the adoption of connected lifecycle solutions that improve project outcomes, operational efficiency, and the resilience of the built environment.

Meta will break ground on its first Canada data center, a 1GW AI-optimized facility in Sturgeon County, Alberta, representing an investment of more than CAD $13 billion. The hyperscale project is expected to employ more than 3,000 construction workers at peak and create over 300 permanent operational jobs once completed. Designed to support Meta’s growing artificial intelligence workloads and digital services, the data center will be powered by 100% clean and renewable energy while incorporating a water-efficient closed-loop cooling system that minimizes operational water use. Meta will also invest approximately CAD $60 million in local road and water infrastructure improvements and launch community grants to support regional nonprofit organizations. Working with Alberta’s energy partners, the company is funding new power generation and grid infrastructure to strengthen electrical reliability without increasing costs for consumers. The project marks a significant investment in Canadian digital infrastructure, reinforcing Alberta’s position as a growing hub for AI data center development, sustainable technology, and large-scale construction.

The Government of Canada, through Prairies Economic Development Canada (PrairiesCan), has announced an investment of more than $2.7 million in ZS2 Technologies to expand modular housing innovation in Alberta. Funded through the Regional Homebuilding Innovation Initiative (RHII), the investment will help scale the company’s production of advanced Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs), enabling faster, more sustainable, and disaster-resilient home construction. Manufactured with magnesium oxide-based cement, the fire- and storm-resistant panels are designed to reduce labour requirements, shorten construction timelines, and improve building durability in regions vulnerable to extreme weather events such as wildfires. The project will increase manufacturing capacity through new equipment while supporting Canada’s efforts to address housing shortages with innovative construction technologies. Beyond expanding housing supply, the investment is expected to strengthen local manufacturing, attract private investment, create skilled jobs, and improve community resilience. The announcement highlights the role of modern methods of construction (MMC) and prefabricated building systems in delivering affordable, climate-resilient housing solutions across Canada.

Remarcable, Inc. has expanded its AI procurement platform for contractors to support mechanical and plumbing trades, while also joining the Mechanical Contractors Association of America (MCAA). Building on seven years of success with electrical contractors, the platform helps MEP contractors streamline procurement, inventory, tool tracking, prefabrication, delivery management, analytics, and financial integrations in a single connected system. Designed to replace disconnected spreadsheets, phone calls, and manual processes, Remarcable combines AI-powered automation, supplier integrations, and real-time material visibility to improve job costing, reduce margin erosion, and increase operational efficiency. The platform connects with more than 1,300 distributors, manages over 600,000 products, and processes more than $900 million in monthly material purchases. Integrated AI features, including semantic product search, OCR document processing, and automated four-way invoice matching, help contractors reduce manual data entry and identify purchasing errors before payment.

Billy, a leading provider of vendor prequalification software and construction insurance compliance solutions, has expanded its integration with Procore to deliver end-to-end subcontractor risk management within the Procore platform. The enhanced integration enables contractors to manage the complete vendor lifecycle—from prequalification and bid selection to compliance monitoring and project execution—through a single connected workflow. Billy automates the collection of financial, safety, bonding, workforce, and insurance information while synchronizing approved vendors and compliance status directly into the Procore Project Directory. Construction teams can quickly identify qualified subcontractors, award contracts with greater confidence, and monitor Certificates of Insurance (COIs) and compliance requirements in real time without leaving Procore. Designed for regional and mid-market general contractors, the solution replaces fragmented manual processes with automated workflows that improve visibility, reduce administrative effort, and strengthen project risk management. Available now to Billy and Procore customers, the expanded integration helps contractors streamline vendor management, improve compliance, and ensure only qualified, properly insured trade partners are active on construction projects.

The Manitoba Construction Sector Council (MCSC) is advancing construction drone technology with a new drone and LiDAR equipment library, supported by $1.14 million in funding from PrairiesCan. Designed to help small and medium-sized construction companies, the initiative will provide access to advanced drone equipment, hands-on training, and technical support to improve productivity, safety, and project efficiency. The lending library allows contractors to “try before they buy,” removing financial barriers to adopting technologies used for surveying, site mapping, inspections, and scanning difficult terrain. MCSC has partnered with Critical Ops and New Media Manitoba to deliver industry-focused drone training, while investments in advanced equipment such as the DJI Matrice 350 RTK and LiDAR XGRIDS Lixel L2 Pro sensor will expand access across the province. The program also supports growing interest from First Nations communities and educational institutions, helping develop digital construction skills and encourage wider adoption of emerging technologies.

Agave, an AI construction financial management platform, has raised $15 million in Series A funding led by Accel, bringing its total funding to more than $20 million. The investment will help the company expand its team and enhance AI-powered solutions that automate construction accounting, ERP integration, financial reporting, and back-office workflows. Since launching in 2021, Agave has grown rapidly, serving more than 500 general and specialty contractors across the U.S. and Canada and supporting over 80,000 construction projects representing more than $100 billion in project value. The platform integrates with more than 14 ERP and project management systems, including Procore, enabling contractors to automate invoice processing, job costing, vendor onboarding, compliance, and financial reconciliation without replacing existing software. Customers report saving more than 60 hours per month while improving accuracy and productivity.