Technologies like BIM, drones, virtual reality and real-time workflow software have made an entrance that will forever alter the scope of the construction industry. Every few weeks, Construction Dive provides a roundup of the latest technology product announcements that promise to boost productivity by saving contractors time, money and labor. To view the entire series, click here.

Raken introduces offline mode

Raken has released an offline mode update for its daily reporting app and field management tool so that users can complete tasks such as filling out time cards, adding photos and assigning tasks in areas with low-cellular or Wi-Fi service. Data that is inputted will automatically sync once connectivity is restored, the company said in an announcement. The offline mode, which has been rolled out across the iOS and Android operating systems, can be used with up to five of users' most-recent projects.

Sergey Sundukovskiy, CTO/CPO and co-founder of Raken, said in the release that the update will “allow construction companies to do every part of their jobs, regardless of their surroundings” and connectivity limitations.

Mobile Authoring creates shareable AR/VR content from phone

Startup Visual Vocal has launched Mobile Authoring, which allows users to create shareable augmented reality and virtual reality (AR/VR) content from any iOS- or Android-powered phone, the company says. By combining Google VR180 technology and the company’s proprietary annotation tools, Mobile Authoring can capture real-world environments, the firm said in a press release. The update expands the product’s current capabilities by allowing users to import captures and 360 renderings from several CAD and BIM products.

Once users create an immersive message, called a Vv, it can be shared with others via a mobile phone or VR viewer. It also can be entered into any jobsite tracking tool using a unique seven-digit Vv ID code.

The remote AR/VR linking technology can connect up to 20 users in a shared virtual environment, the firm says. Vv content also can be sent as a new type of asynchronous VR message that can include self-contained interactive tours or critical project milestones.

TrueLook’s indoor camera now includes 4G LTE modem

TrueLook’s new 4K indoor camera includes a built-in 4G long-term evolution (LTE) cellular modem with no data limit, and can be used at construction sites where internet service is not available, the company recently annouced. The camera, which includes jobsite viewing, project time-lapse imaging and HD security recording capabilities, also has ultra HD resolution up to four times higher than HD 1080p and a 109-degree horizontal field of view.

According to TrueLook’s website, the device can additionally be used to:

• Save images to photo albums with notes.
• Save photos locally to a computer.
• View live and historical weather conditions.
• Free cloud storage of images and videos.

HoloBuilder's AI solution analyzes 360-degree imagery

HoloBuilder Inc. has added SiteAI to its portfolio, an artificial intelligence tool that uses computer vision and machine learning to analyze materials, objects and structures in 360-degree imagery data to automate progress tracking and other processes, the company said in a statement.

The AI program automatically calculates progress reports, comparing these to the planned schedule to quickly detect discrepancies. It can be used to process payments faster, track the quantities of specific materials on site and other tasks, the company says.

SiteAI was developed in collaboration with Hensel Phelps, which has been piloting HoloBuilder’s computer vision algorithm to automatically analyze work put in place by location. Currently in the early-access program stage for select customers, HoloBuilder said SiteAI is scheduled to be available to users in early 2019.

IngeniousIO launches full-lifecycle solution

IngeniousIO has introduced IngeniousIO Architect and Engineering, a cloud-based full-lifecycle application for architects, engineers, contractors and owners that provides interoperability between vendor systems and remote app capabilities. The firm said in a press release that the new product provides "collaborative solutions for the disjointed AECO sector."

The company claims the module will improve efficiencies through automated approval workforces and notifications for RFIs, submittals, service requests, change orders and resource planning; expedite issue resolution; and reduce rework, change orders, RFIs and onsite installation issues. Field and office workers can collaborate by marking up, annotating and sharing blueprints via the iPad and iPhone app.