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. 3, 2018

Tech 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 • Sept. 26, 2018

Explore the Trendline➔

Construction Technology

As construction technology continues to evolve, here’s what savvy contractors need to know.

By Construction Dive staff

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

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

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

Why 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

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

Digital 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

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

Picking 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

How Hensel Phelps maximizes its use of drones

The construction giant spent up to $20,000 per manned helicopter flight to capture aerial video of projects before tapping unmanned aerial vehicles to complete the same tasks and more at a fraction of the cost.

By Mike Danielak • Sept. 12, 2018

Tech Toys: Real physics guide dirt-moving simulator, cranes become autonomous and more

EarthCam enhanced its high-resolution live jobsite streaming and time-lapse offerings and IntSite is testing its artificial intelligence for crane operations in the field amid a round of venture capital backing.

By Construction Dive Editors • Sept. 12, 2018

Technology can ease the labor shortage, survey says

Not only can technology increase productivity and profitability, it also can attract talent and help retain younger workers, a recent Associated General Contractors of America and Autodesk report showed.

By Laurie Cowin • Sept. 12, 2018

Data offers vision into construction equipment blind spots

Data about equipment rentals can be just as important to the bottom line as the equipment itself, but accessing it requires a breakdown of silos, Mark Bishop of United Rentals says.

By Mark Bishop • Sept. 5, 2018

How to center tech investments around ROI, ease of use

To successfully adopt a technology, contractors must strike the right balance between these and other priorities, according to authors of a recent report.

By Laurie Cowin • Sept. 5, 2018

Bricklaying robot drastically reducing Nevada project timeline

The SAM100 bricklaying robot can lay up to 250 bricks per hour, compared with a mason, who on average lays the same number of bricks in one day.

By Laurie Cowin • Sept. 5, 2018

Digital Deals: 3DR-Yuneec launch JV, Siemens doubles Bentley alliance, more

Manitowoc pegged CM Labs to develop crane simulators, IngeniousIO raised $4 million and officially launched, and John Deere named a partner for better managing fleets.

By Construction Dive Editors • Sept. 5, 2018

Unpacking BIM: How contractors can reap the rewards of a digital workflow

BIM isn't a turnkey solution, a Yates executive says, but there's potential payoff for contractors that coordinate all the people, software and processes involved.

By Kathleen Brown • Aug. 29, 2018

Wearables' ROI is in safety and insurance, expert says

Construction companies — along with their workers and insurance companies — see the potential for safety improvements through wearables but still yearn for more evidence of returns on investment. 

By Laurie Cowin • Aug. 29, 2018

Lab welcomes contractors to try out technology

Oracle has invited AEC professionals to its Innovation Lab for hands-on experience with drones, AR tools and more in a real-life setting.

By Laurie Cowin • Aug. 29, 2018

Tech Toys: DroneDeploy, Viewpoint, more unveil upgrades

A drone mapping tool uses machine learning to generate 3D images and Hadrian X rounds third base on its way to full-scale robotic construction.

By Construction Dive Editors • Aug. 29, 2018

Streamline submittals from start to finish with BIM 360 & Pype

Failure to follow a defined process can delay the start of a project by weeks and impact the project's budget and quality objectives.

Aug. 28, 2018

Report: Katerra suffers growing pains

Despite being an industry darling, the tech-driven offsite construction startup founded in 2015 is reportedly struggling with quality and personnel issues. 

By Kim Slowey • Aug. 23, 2018

Skanska VP: Tech adoption no longer a choice for contractors

To meet owners' requirements and attract younger workers, Stacy Scopano says contractors need to ramp up use of AI, AR/VR and other technologies.

By Kathleen Brown • Aug. 22, 2018

Digital Deals: BuildingConnected buys TradeTapp, DOD funds 3D concrete printer, more

Autodesk also injected $8 million into Rhumbix, a big name in the tracking and performance analysis space, and a construction equipment automation software firm was purchased by a publicly traded Chinese GPS company.

By Construction Dive Editors • Aug. 22, 2018