• Construction exoskeletons that allow users to lift hundreds of pounds are hitting jobsites

  By Jennifer Goodman • Nov. 20, 2019

  Apart from being protective and performance-enhancing, some exoskeletons also incorporate sensors that can monitor and respond to users’ movements. Here is roundup of some of the exoskeleton products available — or soon to be available — in the U.S. Read the full article ➔

• Rebar-tying robot attracts Shark Tank investor, $3M in funding

  By Jennifer Goodman • Oct. 16, 2019

  Apart from exoskeletons, a robot that can tie rebar has attracted the most attention from the AEC world this year. And not just from industry observers, but Mark Cuban as well, who called it "a game-changer for the construction industry," and offered other remarks to Construction Dive. Read the full article ➔

• OpenSpace, the 'Google Street View of construction,' called a game changer

  By Jennifer Goodman • Oct. 9, 2019

  Another certified "game-changer," yes, but in a totally different category of construction solutions. The software uses AI to create navigable, 360-degree photo representations of a site just from a builder walking around with a small, off-the-shelf camera. It's drawn attention – and investments – from big players in construction and development such as Suffolk, Tishman Speyer and WeWork. Read the full article ➔

• Procore could be headed toward IPO with $4B valuation

  By Kim Slowey • Sept. 25, 2019

  Some names that are already established in the contech world are generating even more buzz. Bloomberg reported earlier this year that unnamed sources said Procore could go public by year end, by which time the construction management software provider is anticipated to bring in $400 million in yearly revenue. Read the full article ➔

• Bechtel scion raises nearly $100M for contech startups

  By Anying Guo • Aug. 14, 2019

  And the funding doesn't stop there. Darren Bechtel's Brick & Mortar Ventures in August announced it had raised funds from construction-related companies such as Autodesk, CEMEX and Ferguson Ventures. Read the full article ➔

• Predictive AI construction group attracts more leading firms, including Skanska

  By Jennifer Goodman • Oct. 23, 2019

  Tech is used not only to build a structure more quickly and cost-effectively, but also to do it more safely – especially when big players are behind the wheel. The Predictive Analytics Strategic Council includes leaders from Suffolk, Mortenson and Barton Malow working collaboratively to predict when and where safety hazards will occur. Read the full article ➔

• Hensel Phelps secures FAA waiver to fly drones over populated construction sites

  By Kim Slowey • July 31, 2019

  In an industry first, the contractor said it worked with the agency for more than a year to address safety concerns and finally get permits for the technology in a way that many contractors have been waiting for. Read the full article ➔

• Jobsite managers embrace robotics

  By Jennifer Goodman • June 6, 2019

  There's a lot of negative sentiment in the industry about the nascent use of machines for jobs that traditionally require workers. Well, the workers aren't in strong enough supply, and researchers have actually found that, rather than feeling replaced by machines, workers and unions see AI as an ally against labor shortages and productivity issues. Read the full article ➔

• Video game-like tech draws younger, more skeptical workforce to construction

  By Jennifer Goodman • May 15, 2019

  Not all construction technology is used to enhance the building process. Some new tools may be the spark the industry needs to draw a new generation of workers to careers in construction. Read the full article ➔

• 70% of AEC respondents surveyed by FMI don't have a technology roadmap

  By Kim Slowey • Nov. 13, 2019

  Despite the mixed analysis of what's important in contech and how the industry is responding, the data is clear that most firms outside of the pool of industry leaders and innovators don't actually have a gameplan in place. A new report explains why that is and how the industry can leverage the full potential of their tech investments going into 2020. Read the full article ➔