AECOM develops web, mobile platform

Artificial intelligence powers AECOM’s new Capture web and mobile platform, which includes a “systematic process to capture and analyze construction progress over the entire course of the project,” according to a statement from the company. Capture's first step is to identify individual materials, components and equipment on a construction site so that each element can be monitored and tracked at each stage of the construction process, from delivery to installation.

A 3D model depicting construction status can be made at any point in the project, AECOM says, to pinpoint what work is done and what is still outstanding. According to the company, generated data can validate a contractors’ work, help with processing payments, indicate productivity levels, forecast completion dates and detect schedule risks. Compiled over time, the data could also help subsequent projects have more accurate schedules, estimates and a rough order of magnitudes.

Developers also hope to integrate data from other specialized construction industry platforms into a dashboard for project managers, giving them the ability to make real-time adjustments.

Exoskeleton reduces fatigue on the jobsite

The muscular-aiding technology exoskeleton (MATE), designed by technology and innovation company Comau in collaboration with Össur and Iuvo, wraps the body like a second skin and replicates dynamic movements, reported designboom. Using a passive spring-based mechanism, the wearable device does not require electric power. The breathable exoskeleton comes in two sizes — small/medium and large/extra-large — and continually helps with movement to reduce muscular and cardiac fatigue and improve posture, precision of repetitive tasks and quality, the makers say.

Features include a shoulder-size regulation system with five positions, sliding cuffs, adjustable waist belt length and a torque generator with seven assistance levels.

Cape announces cloud drone platform updates

Cape has updated its Cape Aerial Telepresence platform and Cape Cloud in an effort to make remote teleoperation and integration of commercial drones safer and easier, as well as to provide enhanced real-time aerial visibility, according to a company-issued press release. The update includes multi-cast live streaming that allow users to simultaneously view drone video.

Safety and storage features include:

• Custom no-fly zones that can be set within 3D geofenced areas.
• Safe local pilot, which safeguards created for teleoperators that now also are available for onsite drone technicians.
• Maximum speed control.
• Cloud video storage.
• Teleoperator picture taking.

Enhanced automation and payloads include:

• Autopilot to location.
• Smart flight timer that dynamically calculates battery usage to optimize flight time
• Dual-sensor thermal support, which allows for visualization of thermal and visible light spectrums from one camera.
• Dual-gimbal support in which teleoperators can switch between video feeds from various gimbals so that one flight can capture high zoom and thermal footage.

App creates legally binding video contracts

Belgian's Lexigogo BVBA has launched the Lexigogo video-contracting app, which allows registered users to create video contracts with each other, according to a statement from the company. The video contracts are electronic documents with electronic signatures, so they are legally binding for most personal and business transactions, the company says. Each contract is developed so that signers can be uniquely identified and linked to their e-signatures and have access to effective video contracts at any time. The firm claims the effective contracts cannot be altered or tampered with.

The app also houses a video contract “wallet” to store multiple contracts in one location, and provides a cloud cover with online access to video contracts in the event of the loss of the user's smartphone.