Technology
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More than 7K robots to take on construction work by 2025
Midsize and major contractors are beginning to integrate intelligent machines to pair with BIM and building automation and to help with worker shortages and other productivity issues, a new report found.
By Jenn Goodman • May 15, 2019 -
Autodesk BIM 360 adds cost management
The new module allows users to visualize cost-related risks and track budget impacts in real time.
By Kathleen Brown • May 15, 2019 -
By predicting risk, AI tool shapes top firms' safety conversations
Contractors like Suffolk, Shawmut and AECOM are using Smartvid.io to understand and proactively target the most pressing risks on their projects.
By Kathleen Brown • May 15, 2019 -
Deep DiveVideo game-like tech draws younger, more skeptical workforce to construction
The modern jobsite's move to simulators, controllers, VR headsets and more is bucking the perspective that careers in the industry are all grunt work.
By Jenn Goodman • May 15, 2019 -
FAA projects massive growth in commercial drone use
The administration said the number could triple by 2023, far outpacing the consumer drone market, which it said appears to be slowing down.
By Jason Plautz • May 08, 2019 -
InsiteVR integrates with Autodesk BIM 360 for immersive modeling
The virtual reality tool, which allows users from any location to collaborate on a design, is the latest to pair with Autodesk's construction management hub.
By Kathleen Brown • May 08, 2019 -
BIM concept prevents duplicate efforts on complex projects
Gafcon, an owner's representative, is touting the OneModel shared database to begin breaking down silos between stakeholders.
By Kathleen Brown • May 08, 2019 -
DOE offers $35M for energy-efficient construction tech
The Department of Energy grants will favor techniques such as offsite manufacturing, robotics, digitization, automation and improved modeling.
By Kim Slowey • May 08, 2019 -
Built Robotics, Sunstate deal brings more self-driving vehicles to the jobsite
Part of Sunstate Equipment Co.'s fleet will be outfitted with Built's kit to expand contractors' access to autonomous technology, the companies say.
By Kathleen Brown • May 01, 2019 -
US military set on 3D-printing more bridges, buildings
The Department of Defense is seeking an autonomous, 'construction-scale' printer that can be quickly set up and deployed by just four users.
By Kim Slowey • May 01, 2019 -
PCL, CopperTree partner to build smart from the ground up
The contractor will embed energy analytics services during construction to meet owners' demand for less costly, simplified building management.
By Kathleen Brown • April 24, 2019 -
Laser scans could be key in Notre Dame Cathedral reconstruction
A point cloud of the 12th-century Paris landmark captured in 2015 could serve as a digital blueprint for the wooden spire and roof destroyed in last week's fire.
By Kathleen Brown • April 24, 2019 -
US intelligence wants to develop tools to detect construction projects around the world
The new SMART program will analyze satellite and other images to determine where large construction projects are underway.
By Kim Slowey • April 24, 2019 -
PlanGrid BIM brings 3D Revit data to field management
PlanGrid users across approximately 1.5 million projects globally will be able to access Autodesk's BIM data on their mobile devices.
By Kim Slowey • April 24, 2019 -
OpinionAutonomous construction equipment key to improving site safety, efficiency
While jobsites are tougher to navigate than the average roadway, two emerging sensor types used in combination could offer the industry the robust detection it needs, writes an expert in the technology.
By Andrew Boushie • April 17, 2019 -
Dodge: Almost three-quarters of contractors turn to IoT for risk management
Wearables and artificial intelligence auditing of jobsite images were named as the top emerging technologies curbing construction defects, safety hazards and more in a Dodge Data & Analytics study.
By Kathleen Brown • April 17, 2019 -
ColumnTech Toys: Autodesk, John Deere, DPR, NASA flex new tools
AutoCAD and Revit 2020 editions are live, and a John Deere simulator kit swaps controls between six machine types. DPR rolls out Skycatch across its projects while NASA offers its tech to the jobsite.
By Joe Beeton • April 17, 2019 -
UpCodes building code database draws ICC ire
The startup says its searchable platform gives users "free, unfettered access" to law. The International Code Council's copyright suit claims damages to its revenue model.
By Kathleen Brown • April 17, 2019 -
Opinion
Why contractors should nix 'casual use' of jobsite drones
As use of the technology expands, contractors, subs and other stakeholders should heed the safety and liability risks involved, an aviation attorney writes.
By By Mark A. Dombroff • April 10, 2019 -
Deep DiveTest lab for timber technology: college campus construction
With 34 mass timber college buildings completed or in the works across the country, the technology is seeing a lot of support despite challenges.
By Hallie Busta • April 10, 2019 -
The simple safety tweak to boost engagement, competition
AGC conference speakers showed how phones can be paired with interactive Q&A sessions to derive more value from typically blasé safety briefings.
By Kathleen Brown • April 08, 2019 -
Leaders are key to building a culture that motivates, innovates
Competitive advantage lies in an environment that frees employees to experiment and encounter tech's value at their own pace, according to a VDC director and an Autodesk strategist.
By Kathleen Brown • April 08, 2019 -
Deep Dive3D-printed precast concrete molds for redeveloped NYC landmark a first
The innovative approach to the 42-story tower in Brooklyn created a variety of exterior panels reminiscent of sugar crystals, a nod to the site's historic past as the Domino Sugar Factory.
By Amy Howell Hirt • April 03, 2019 -
AI, robotics safety a bigger concern to construction industry than job security
Construction workers worry less about the common conception that robots will steal jobs than they do about who's to blame for unsafe practices on the jobsite, according to a new survey.
By Kim Slowey • April 03, 2019 -
Shadow Ventures graduates first AEC tech startups from accelerator program
A BIM planning tool and cloud-based project management platform were among the promising products shaped through industry partners' advice.
By Kim Slowey • April 03, 2019
