Technology
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US colleges adopt Plangrid for campus construction
Forty institutions — 15 of which have signed on so far this year — use the software to help increase the efficiency of both renovations and new work.
By Kim Slowey • March 20, 2019 -
ColumnTech Toys: The latest revolutions in remote control
Game-like controllers, robust wireless networks and technical software are speeding up the automation of construction vehicles, getting operators out of harm's way and improving precision on tough terrains.
By Joe Beeton • March 20, 2019 -
Study: Autonomous robots working together are industry's next big thing
Collaboration within groups of robots could address a critical need for safer, cheaper and more efficient construction, a report says.
By Kathleen Brown • March 20, 2019 -
OpinionScan, plan, execute: 3D reality capture in construction
Digital twins created via laser scanning and photogrammetry offer value from pre-planning to well after completion, a proprietor of the emerging technology explains.
By Cale Collier • March 20, 2019 -
Cloud app creates drone deliverables in hours instead of days
Using a Microsoft Azure app, drone services provider Dudek is speeding up the process of stitching together aerial imagery for projects on the scale of the California bullet train.
By Kim Slowey • March 13, 2019 -
Matterport raises $48M to expand entry-level 3D imagery tool
As the reality capture firm hones its products to a lower price point, contractors like Mortenson are able to generate immersive virtual environments to overlay with BIM, among other uses.
By Kathleen Brown • March 13, 2019 -
3D-printed panels define Seattle high-rise's sloped facade
3Diligent's technology was chosen for the 59-story Rainier Square Tower because of the accuracy that would be required to achieve different angles on each sloping floor.
By Kim Slowey • March 13, 2019 -
Top contractors partner with AI firm to prevent jobsite accidents before they happen
By sharing images and project data, Suffolk, JE Dunn, Clayco and more will boost the Smartvid.io AI engine's ability to spot risks, which can cost contractors as much as $36,000 per incident.
By Kathleen Brown • March 13, 2019 -
Productivity gets a boost in exoskeleton pilot program
A U.K.-based utility contractor said that lift assistance from the spring-loaded EksoVest reduced fatigue and strain to let workers accomplish more on the jobsite.
By Kathleen Brown • March 06, 2019 -
Deep DiveWill economic uncertainty leave construction tech in limbo?
Now's the time to tidy up outdated processes, experts say, so that nothing stands in the way of technology's value when the downturn rears its ugly head.
By Kathleen Brown • March 06, 2019 -
Autodesk's record Q4, FY earnings driven by industry digitization, subscriptions
The tech company's $2.6 billion revenue for the year is its highest yet, as more AEC employers than ever seek to digitize workflows with its software.
By Kim Slowey • March 06, 2019 -
3 recent developments in 'constructuring'
By adapting manufacturing's efficiency models to building processes, these initiatives are expanding offsite construction to more, exceedingly complex projects.
By Kathleen Brown • March 06, 2019 -
To get the most out of drones, start with 'low-hanging fruit'
Thanks to a maturing drone market, contractors of all sizes can capture value through progress tracking, safety inspections and more while holding subs accountable, says William Pryor of Skycatch.
By Kathleen Brown • Feb. 27, 2019 -
Goldman Sachs backs $8M funding round for construction finance startup Rabbet
Rabbet, formerly Contract Simply, employs software-as-a-service machine learning to more efficiently process construction draw requests.
By Kim Slowey • Feb. 27, 2019 -
Eniac Ventures leads predictive software startup Briq's $3M seed funding round
Machine learning and the larger universe of artificial intelligence, such as that used by Briq's platform, have been called "the next frontier" in construction.
By Kim Slowey • Feb. 27, 2019 -
Tennessee DOT mandates use of PlanGrid on public projects
More states are bucking paper systems for digital and transparent recordkeeping and project management.
By Kim Slowey • Feb. 27, 2019 -
Strategic hire, new plant tee Skender up for maximum tech efficiencies
CEO Mark Skender and CTO Stacy Scopano, who comes from Skanska, share their strategy for improved data flow in the design, engineering and production of modular buildings.
By Kathleen Brown • Feb. 20, 2019 -
VR forklift training removes risks, reduces costs
The software transports trainees to a "simulated work setting," which can be useful for other heavy construction equipment training scenarios as well.
By Riia O'Donnell • Feb. 20, 2019 -
Katerra to market software and building components, license its process
The firm will sell project management tools, windows and cross-laminated timber and allow others to construct using its end-to-end modular building system.
By Joe Beeton • Feb. 20, 2019 -
Ruckit aims to streamline heavy freight logistics
The platform lets aggregators, trucking companies and construction customers collaborate on the delivery of jobsite equipment and materials.
By Kim Slowey • Feb. 13, 2019 -
2019 may see first free-form 3D-printed house
The home will break ground soon in Tennessee utilizing Branch Technology's cellular fabrication method for its "lattice-like matrix."
By Kim Slowey • Feb. 13, 2019 -
Companies look to partnerships to survive digital transformation
To increase competitiveness, businesses are turning to the cloud, automation, AI and more, a study found, and relying heavily on relationships and feedback.
By Riia O'Donnell , Kathleen Brown • Feb. 13, 2019 -
NYU establishes construction innovation hub
The Institute of Design and Construction Innovations Hub will promote safety and efficiency within the industry and help executives find solutions to the issues that can make a project late or over budget.
By Kim Slowey • Feb. 13, 2019 -
Marines 3D-print concrete footbridge in field
This was the first time in the Western Hemisphere that a bridge was 3D-printed onsite rather than in a controlled environment like a factory.
By Kim Slowey • Feb. 06, 2019 -
ColumnTech Toys: AR-based crane training, a booming social platform for tradespeople
Plus, Autodesk's first Revit update rollout of the year is optimized for the cloud and DroneDeploy tools to leverage drone data now integrate with Multivista.
By Joe Beeton , Kathleen Brown • Feb. 06, 2019
