Technology

Big machines in a sensor-filled world: Analytics and data at Caterpillar

The allure of efficiency is driving construction and other traditionally low-tech sectors to tap equipment manufacturers that tout a more connected world.

By Naomi Eide • Dec. 12, 2018

Column

Tech Toys: Raken debuts offline mode, HoloBuilder adds SiteAI to portfolio

Plus, TrueLook's new jobsite camera includes built-in LTE and a smartphone app lets users create augmented and virtual reality project imagery.

By Laurie Cowin • Dec. 12, 2018

The 7 most striking construction technology innovations of 2018

As the year wraps up, we're looking back at the technological strides that have been made, spanning artificial intelligence, drones, robotics and more.

By Kathleen Brown • Dec. 12, 2018

Building Ventures closes $53M debut round, backed by industry giants

DPR, Gilbane, Mortenson and other AEC powerhouses supported the venture firm's inaugural fund, aimed at identifying early-stage companies with the potential to drive industry innovation.

By Kathleen Brown • Dec. 12, 2018

Help wanted: Hire 'mad scientists' to spark change in construction firms

Industry experts outline steps companies can take to ensure they are the disruptors rather than the disrupted.

By Laurie Cowin • Dec. 05, 2018

Column

Digital Deals: PlanGrid and Autodesk expand integration 'ecosystems' and more

A platform that finds the most cost-effective way to meet energy requirements is drawing funds and Delair expands its drone software offering with Airware acquisition.

By Kathleen Brown • Dec. 05, 2018

How industry drone leaders scaled their programs

Drone experts at Skanska USA and PCL Construction outline the steps their firms took from early adoption to enterprise expansion.

By Kathleen Brown • Dec. 05, 2018

Column

Modern Materials: Memory steel, polymer uses CO2 to self-repair, and more

Other fresh innovations include concrete that is reinforced with natural fibers and 3D-printed cement that gets stronger as it cracks.

By Laurie Cowin • Nov. 28, 2018

FAA regulatory delays hamper drone expansion

Rules allowing drones to fly beyond lines of sight and over people may be on hold until the Federal Aviation Administration finalizes airborne-identification requirements as late as 2022.

By Kathleen Brown • Nov. 28, 2018

Autodesk, PlanGrid execs: Acquisition will 'change con-tech landscape'

Top officials of the two firms talked to Construction Dive about the ways their new union will yield tangible results for end users.

By Laurie Cowin • Nov. 28, 2018

Tech can tackle the risky business of construction, says PCL

PCL Construction employs BIM, 3D scanning and 3D printing to ensure that when something's put in place "it’s done well and done right at the beginning.”

By Laurie Cowin • Nov. 26, 2018

Column

Tech Toys: Autonomous drones that don't use GPS, refreshed crane lift planning software

Other new products include an application that can manage point clouds with a massive dataset and a production-scale 3D printing system.

By Laurie Cowin • Nov. 21, 2018

Tech Toys: The latest drone, VR, robot, software upgrades for construction

These are some of the newest announcements in the world of technology tools that promise to save contractors time, money and labor on the jobsite and in the office.

By Kathleen Brown • Nov. 21, 2018

Autodesk to acquire PlanGrid for $875M

Two of the arguably biggest names in the space will merge next quarter in a promise to "completely change the construction technology landscape."

By Laurie Cowin • Nov. 21, 2018

Using BIM to 'build it right' and blow past KPIs

Virtual design and construction experts from leading firms share strategies to get the training and buy-in that allows building information modeling to work its magic as a single source of truth on projects.

By Kathleen Brown • Nov. 20, 2018

Digital Deals: The latest M&A activity and integrations in construction technology

These construction tech firms marry their niche solutions with other technologies and provide more comprehensive and interoperable tools.

By Kathleen Brown • Nov. 20, 2018

Tech strategy requires a new type of construction worker

Construction firms are scaling up their strategies by tapping tech talent with deep expertise in the nuances of construction, an expert said.

By Kathleen Brown • Nov. 15, 2018

Autodesk CEO: Automation is the answer

In his keynote address at Autodesk University in Las Vegas last week, Andrew Anagnost touted the strength of automation in construction as a means of creating efficiencies and empowering certain human roles.

By Laurie Cowin • Nov. 14, 2018

The 7 KPIs of construction, and how technology can measure them

Autodesk recently commissioned Dodge Data & Analytics to identify and quantify seven key performance indicators of construction to effectively measure and manage performance.

By Laurie Cowin • Nov. 14, 2018

Column

Digital Deals: Autodesk to bring 3D, VR/AR to CAD and international con-tech firms seal big funding rounds

Apart from big software moves, Dubai's WakeCap, maker of internet of things-connected hard hats, raised $1.6 million in seed funding — only to be topped by Norwegian BIM firm Imerso, which raised $2 million.

By Construction Dive Editors

Being 'value generators' instead of 'order takers'

A contractor turned college professor told attendees of Procore's Groundbreak conference that they need to find solutions to customers' complex problems — even if they don't ask.

By Jean Dimeo • Nov. 14, 2018

Wieland chalks up productivity gains to paperless project

Not a sheet of paper can be found at the rural paper mill project where Wieland Construction and its subcontractors are managing progress entirely from mobile devices, shaving hours off the schedule every day.

By Kathleen Brown • Nov. 12, 2018

3 robots mechanizing construction sites, plus 3 to watch

When trying to keep up with robotic research and prototypes, it’s easy to short circuit, so here's a short list of some of the technologies already making a difference on jobsites, along with a few that promise to make their mark soon.

By Laurie Cowin • Nov. 07, 2018

Drone tech provider PrecisionHawk acquires Uplift Data Partners

PrecisionHawk's acquisition of Clayco's drone-based inspection services subsidiary for an undisclosed amount marks its fifth buy this year.

By Laurie Cowin • Nov. 07, 2018