Technology
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5 technologies boosting productivity on the jobsite
Here are the tech tools contractors say lead to smarter, more accurate work with fewer accidents and injuries.
By Laurie Cowin • Oct. 17, 2018
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2 robots in tandem create 3D-printed building components
Singapore-based researchers developed robotic printers that can create a concrete structure without colliding, paving the way for larger-scale collaborative printing in the future.
By Laurie Cowin • Oct. 17, 2018
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Robot dog coming to a construction site near you
Boston Dynamics says its SpotMini robot is a good fit for jobsites due to its ability to survey a project via an onboard camera, pick up objects and navigate around obstacles.
By Laurie Cowin • Oct. 17, 2018
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ColumnDigital Deals: AECOM, Arrow foster digital transformation, InEight acquires AI scheduler
Plus, ArchiCAD paired with Solibri's Model Checker and Viewpoint added Prophix' corporate performance management software to its Strategic Partner program.
By Kathleen Brown • Oct. 17, 2018
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Study: Managing costs tougher for firms than finding talent
Costs are a challenge for more construction industry companies than finding and retaining labor, according to a new survey, but the latter continues to sap budget dollars for technology and fleet upgrades.
By Kim Slowey • Oct. 16, 2018
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SponsoredThree ways construction leaders harness digital transformation
The industry's old-school ways mean contractors waste time and money mailing revisions to blueprints, tracking paper receipts and invoices, or traveling long distances to do on-site inspections of small changes.
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Drones, smartphones and tablets taking over jobsites, survey shows
A whopping 92% use smartphones and 57% employ drones, but contractors still struggle to pay for and implement new technologies, according to respondents of JBKnowledge's 2018 ConTech survey.
By Kathleen Brown • Oct. 10, 2018
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OpinionAR, VR to drive efficiencies at every building phase
From increasing stakeholders' confidence to ensuring changes are error-free, the benefits of augmented and virtual reality will soon extend from design to operations stages, writes Microdesk CEO and principal Michael DeLacey.
By Michael DeLacey
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How smarter use of data can boost project quality, competitive advantage
Contractors using tools like BIM and reality capture to improve their work output have a competitive edge, said panelists at the Advancing Construction Quality conference last week.
By Kathleen Brown • Oct. 10, 2018
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ColumnTech Toys: AECOM develops AI-powered tool, Cape drone platform unveils updates
Other announcements include an exoskeleton that reduces a worker's muscle fatigue and an app that creates legally binding video contracts.
By Laurie Cowin • Oct. 10, 2018
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SponsoredUtilize real-time data to improve project management
With the connected jobsite slowly becoming the norm, the importance of jobsite automation software continues to rise.
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ColumnDigital Deals: Amazon backs prefab smart builder, Procore acquires BIManywhere
Plus, Guardhat secures $20 million in funding for its intelligent hardhat and PCL partners with Microsoft on a cloud-first construction management tool.
By Kathleen Brown • Oct. 03, 2018
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9 drone providers join FAA low-altitude initiative
The Federal Aviation Administration now counts 14 industry partners that can fly in controlled airspace and receive approval to do so in seconds.
By Edwin Lopez • Oct. 03, 2018
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Japanese researchers create humanoid bot that installs drywall independently
The robot, HRP-5P, can correct for slips, has numerous joints that flex to degrees people are unable to and is not deterred by limited fields of view.
By Laurie Cowin • Oct. 03, 2018
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Artificial intelligence may aid tunnel boring machine operators
AI can recognize data patterns, which, if detected early, can be used to improve performance of these massive machines, according to a body of institutional and industry researchers.
By Laurie Cowin • Oct. 03, 2018
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Suffolk Construction's 'reverse mentors' spur tech ideas on the jobsite
The general contractor explained how young blood share freshly acquired technology expertise with senior colleagues in exchange for management guidance in a two-way learning experience.
By Kathleen Brown • Oct. 03, 2018
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ColumnTech Toys: MIT, Autodesk roll out new tools, BIM software advances
InfraWorks rolled out updates, Vectorworks announced 2019 editions of its BIM and CAD software and facility managers can now give contractors and other stakeholders access to online insurance certificates.
By Construction Dive Editors
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Purdue steps up in construction robotics, automation
Researchers are developing algorithms that help computers automate the review of a building's design model, compare it with city and state building codes and flag any violations, for example.
By Laurie Cowin • Sept. 26, 2018
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When con-tech is just an idle 'solution' looking for a problem
Construction companies should pinpoint specific challenges before selecting the appropriate technological response, a VP of Pepper Construction's virtual design and construction division explained.
By Laurie Cowin • Sept. 26, 2018
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Increased need for data drives healthcare construction trends
To accommodate a shift to digital record-keeping and tech-driven care, healthcare contractors are expanding data centers, HVAC and electrical loads through prefabrication and other approaches, experts say.
By Kathleen Brown • Sept. 26, 2018
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Q&AWhy a robot is MVP on a Hoar Construction project
Construction Robotics' semi-automated mason — SAM — laid 250,000 bricks on a recent project six times faster than a human worker could, project manager Bill Lampkin told Construction Dive.
By Kathleen Brown • Sept. 19, 2018
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How to get an in-house drone program 'off the ground'
It can be daunting for a construction company, consultants said, but if contractors set out clear business strategies and safety protocols, narrow their focus and get other teams on board, there's promise of success.
By Kathleen Brown • Sept. 19, 2018
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ColumnDigital Deals: DroneBase brings 4D to pilot network, Solibri boosts BIM experience, more
Plus, BuildingIQ makes new and existing buildings smarter, and software provider Bangert adds Acumatica's cloud-based ERP to its portfolio.
By Kathleen Brown • Sept. 19, 2018
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Real results from virtual reality: safer jobsites
“The reality of the VR simulators is utterly awesome,” said Tim Whiteman of IPAF. "Two years ago no one was even thinking about the use of VR in training and now there is equipment ... that makes you feel as though you're in the machine."
By Laurie Cowin • Sept. 19, 2018
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Deep DivePicking from 2K+ con-tech startups like 'a kid in a candy shop'
Finding reliable products in the booming construction technology marketplace has contractors stretched thin, but the right partnerships could boost efficiency and offset the hassle, experts told Construction Dive.
By Kathleen Brown • Sept. 12, 2018