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The article focuses on productivity and encouragement of social distancing on construction sites, tool manufacturer Hilti has announced a raft of new products, including the EXO-O1, a wearable mechanical exoskeleton. Topics inlcude citing an aging workforce and the need to recruit a new generation, and the exoskeleton will reduce some of the strains has associated with repetitive labor.

The article focuses on investment to fill out offerings for project data management, San Rafael, California-based Autodesk has acquired construction technology firm Pype, makers of the Pype AI analysis and project planning platform including the terms of the deal were not disclosed.

The article discusses that Swinterton used a LiDAR sensor package on a Spot robot to collect scans of jobsites, which are then automatically processed to determine work put-in-place and set subcontractor payments. It mentions the spot robot is useful for gathering capture data during off-hours but is not crucial to the project. It also mentions the project owner is interested in covering some of the cost going forward.

The article discusses that arriving at a jobsite during the COVID-19 pandemic, workers have seen familiar sign-in sheets and fast-moving turnstiles replaced by infrared temperature checks and updated Personal protective equipment (PPE) briefings. It mentions that Boston-based Shawmut Design and Construction had dozens of essential jobsites across the Northeast that had to stay open through the COVID-19 spring shutdowns; and the need for a system to screen workers at sites was clear.

The article reports about how the effects of months-long shutdowns and stay-at home orders due to the COVID-19 pandemic have been pervasive, and the effects have even been seen in real time in the software to help manage construction financing. It also mentions how Built Technologies' platform is designed for banks and other lending institutions to manage their relationship.

The article reports about the acquisition of photo- and audio-logging application maker NoteVault , known for its four dimensional (4D) design and operational software, moving deeper into the jobsite with its field-focused Synchro platform. It also mentions how the acquisition marks a renewed effort by Bentley to bring more direct field observations into a largely model-driven data approach.

The article informs that Predictive Analytics Strategic Council (PASC), a coalition of more than a dozen major contractors, insurers and technology firms, has released its first white paper. It mentions that PASC outlines how predictive analytics can be incorporated into a construction firm's workflows in ways that reduce safety incidents by warning companies of similar situations that have led to previous accidents and disasters.

The article informs that Aerial Mapping Firm Nearmap planning to offer a wider range of products targeted at design and construction, including artficial intelligence-based algorithm that can automatically identify and classify construction sites from the sky. It mentions that Nearmap's new AI-driven update is able to distinguish vegetation from buldings and can identify construction. It also informs that Nearmap also has begun integration with Autodesk for design and construction workflows.

The article reviews the plans of software company, Riskcast for expanding its time card management app with Contact Tracing feature.

The article offers information on how to turn virtual reality building information modeling review during a pandemic. Topics include the views of Angel Say, co-founder of InsiteVR, on the same, the ability to quickly spot design clashes or understand issues around traffic flow and equipment installation could save a lot of angry emails and phone calls, and the pandemic is driving some in the industry to seek out VR for remote viewing and collaboration.

In this article the author talks about Autodesk launches Generative Design features in Revit 2021, and Generative design is a form of parametric design, where an algorithms fed preset criteria for a final design, and attempts to generate shapes and layouts that meet those requirements.

The article discusses the impact of COVID-19 virus pandemic on information technology (IT) infrastructure. Topics discussed include views of Andy Knauf, vice president (VP) at consulting firm Mead & Hunt, on migration of all the company's data and workstations; building information modeling (BIM) files and technology firm Microsoft's Azure cloud with Workspot.

The article offers information of the equipment manufacturers on display at the CONEXPO-CON/AGG show, which is held in Las Vegas on March 10-13, 2020.

The article discusses the Association of Equipment Manufacturers announced on February 18, that is working with the International Organization for Standardization on a common standard for grade-control data. Topics include the views of Sara Feuling, director of construction at AEM, on course; and "Fleets containing multiple brands, with general contractors using different systems than subcontractors, has the norm on jobsites.

The article focuses on the Searock and ACR are far beyond the testing phase for TyBot. It mentions that according to Searock, TyBot is also set to get a robot sibling; and also mentions a single technician could oversee the drones, making only minor adjustments and occasionally swapping out batteries.

The article informs on World of Concrete trade show in Las Vegas, held Feburary 4-7. It mentions about continued modest growth in both real dollars spent on construction and in overall cement consumption over the next several years. It also informs on the impact of current economic expansion on concrete industry.

The article explores how forensic engineer, Gary Panariello, brings a level head and reassuring competence to a dangerous New Orleans building collapse site. Topics discussed include focusing on search and rescue, and the full extent of the damage to the building; response team of engineers that determined a pair of unstable cranes at a New Orleans building collapse site needed to be imploded; and bringing wind speeds that might collapse the overloaded and unstable tower cranes.

The article informs about advances in satellite imagery benefit Alaskan infrastructure. Topics discussed include rely on methods other than in-person inspection to track the condition of roads and bridges in Northern Alaska; high-resolution satellite imagery, not only for maintaining existing infrastructure but planning future projects; and built the technology to extract the relevant information from data.

The article reports that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) published proposed regulations governing the usage of drones in the U.S., triggering a pushback from drone professionals over rules requiring live transmitting of drone locations during operation. It mentions that the FAA proposes a requirement for remote identification of unmanned aerial systems (UAS). It also informs that broadcasts or transmits remote identification information.

The article reports that Hard Rock Hotel in New Orleans, the project's developer is pushing back against comments by the city's fire chief that the developer is intentionally delaying demolition of the building. It mentions that the partial collapse killed three construction workers and injured dozens. It also mentions that the battered remains of two successfully demolished tower cranes still litter the site, and the bodies of two construction workers.

The article explores that Varjo XR-1 headset from ENR FutureTech, which uses front-facing cameras to send a high-resolution image to the user with the 3D models blended into the scene, providing a more immersive mixed-reality experience.

The article explores that coal-ash is dirty, dangerous work, and heavy equipment brought in to shift and compact the waste from coalfired power plants can pose a hazard for workers and, the unstable ground conditions and risk of exposure to hazardous materials are the norm, and safety concerns restrict how contractors are able to tackle the job.

The article reports that Terex Peiner SK415 crane collapsed onto a Dallas apartment building, killing one, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration fined the crane's owner, Bigge Crane and Rigging Co., citing serious violations. It mentions that the crane company responded by formally contesting the citation. It also informs that the state licensing requirement for crane operators and Texas cities.

The article reports on the use of the Kenzen wearable biometric sensor by technology startup firm Kenzen to monitor construction workers for an immediate health impact from heat exhaustion. Topics mentioned include the use of proprietary algorithms to identify when the wearer starts to show signs of heat exhaustion, the use of aggregate data by project managers to plan breaks in work schedules, and thoughts from Garney Construction executive Zack Trombley on the health of his crew.

The article discusses plans of Oracle Construction & Engineering to expand its Innovation Lab in Deerfield, Illinois and views of Burcin Kaplanoglu, director of innovation for Oracle Construction & Engineering, on focusing on realistic skills.

The article informs that the International Union of Operating Engineers is investing in simulators to train equipment operators. It mentions that the Union is running several Vortex Advantage stations from CM Labs; and simulators are used by apprentices and working operators who want to learn a new type of machine. It presents views of Mark Kara, assistant coordinator for Local 150's Apprenticeship and Skill Improvement Program, on investing in simulators.

The article offers information on the Prophix Virtual Financial Assistant from Prophix.

The article informs that United Rentals has announced a broad expansion of its Total Control fleet-management system and is hinting at major advances yet to come with Big Data and fully connected jobsites. It mentions that rental channels often seek to offer equipment with fewer optional high-tech features that require subscriptions and additional training.

The article focuses on the demolition of the Hard Rock Hotel located in New Orleans, Louisiana. It mentions that hotel's owner, 1031 Canal Development LLC, has contracted Kolb Grading LLC and its subsidiary, Dem/Tech, to perform a controlled implosion of the hotel. It also mentions that the unorthodox plan to bring down the two damaged tower cranes at the site came from an ongoing assessment from structural engineers.

The article offers a review of MX FUEL line of tool includes a breaker and a 14- inch cutoff saw from Milwaukee Tool.

The article reports on a study conducted by the global management consulting firm McKinsey & Co. Inc., which found transformational level of investment in construction technology, which doubled in the last five years in 2017. It refers to a comment by Darren Bechtel, co-founder of venture capital firm Brick and Mortar Ventures regarding growing value of venture capital with new investment attracted by the construction industry, which is ripe for new technology.

The article focuses on the use of the self-climbing kokoon for the erection of structural steel in the high-rise project in New York City. It discusses how it was made by the engineering company Despe SpA, the features of the steel mesh cocoon used for monitoring the hydraulic jacks and how the team of Metropolitan Walters construction company came across the use of Despe cocoon system during a tower demolition.

The article evaluates the DeWalt Flex Volt dual-voltage battery platform to be used for the DeWalt 60-volt tool line from Stanley Black & Decker Inc.

The article offers information on how restoration workers from across Canada and the U.S. were working on the power grid of Florida in September 2017. It mentions that almost 65% of the electric customers of Florida had lost power at the peak of slam of Hurricane Irma into the southeastern U.S., which include 73% of Duke Energy Corp. customers and 72% of Florida Power & Light Co. customers.

The article offers information on the FutureTech conference of periodical "Engineering News-Record" (ENR) held in San Francisco, California in 2017 which focuses on construction technology. It mentions several speakers at the event including Jose Luis Blanco Alvarez of McKinsey & Co., Cliff Brewis of Dodge Data & Analytics, and Thai Nguyen of Hensel Phelps.

The article discusses the World of Concrete equipment show that was held in Las Vegas, Nevada from January 17-20, 2017. The show features ride-on concrete trowels, carnival-style games, and displays or products that comply with Occupational Safety and Health Administration's (OSHA) silica-dust exposure rule.

The article reports on the increased number of construction projects being planned by universities and school districts in the U.S. starting 2016. Topics discussed include the state ballots concerning school construction work that are up for votes in 2016, the factors behind universities and school districts' renewed focus on infrastructure and construction projects and the sources of funding for the school construction projects.

The article discusses efforts were underway Oct. 22 to recover the bodies of two construction workers killed in the collapse of a hotel under construction in New Orleans after a controlled demolition brought down two tower cranes threatening other buildings following the initial collapse. It presents views of New Orleans Fire Chief Tim McConnell on the controlled demolition.

The article informs that the National Elevator Industry Inc. (NEII)'s white paper has outlined several possible pathways for hackers to compromise the software overseeing modern elevators.

The article offers information on the Airframe exoskeleton from Levitate.

The article looks at a Dodge Data & Analytics study which found that contractors reported working on projects where they had to use the owner's preferred PM software alongside their own and presents views of Chris Bell, marketing vice president for software firm e-Builder, on the same.

The article discusses the plans of building better BIM models, presenting the views of Jukka Muhonen, head of production at Tridify, and notes that Tridify's cloud-based BIM viewer does not need a tailored BIM file.

The article discusses that stakeholders are asking for better intelligence on how construction projects are performing, as of October, 2019. It mentions that Viewpoint Construction Software have announced a cloud-based analytics platform that will find connections in profit fade and in overall workforce performance, and presents the views of Matt Harris, chief product and strategy officer at Viewpoint.

The article offers information related to the plans of heavy equipment manufacturer, CNH Industrial to spin-off its on-road commercial truck business from its agricultural and construction equipment brands.

The article presents an outlook on the lithium-ion battery technology. Topics covered include the advantage of lithium-ion batteries in terms of energy density, battery life, and weight, the limitations to lithium-ion batteries' capabilities, and a report from Daniel Abraham, senior material researcher at Argonne National Lab, which states that lithium ion will remain dominant for many years.

The article focuses on the organization Built Robotics which manufactures autonomous construction equipment and rents it through Sunstate Equipment, and talks of LIDAR and GPS system for remote functioning of the dozer or excavator, and addressing the issue of mundane jobs due to shortage of labor.