Starting Off:
Last Friday, the ConTechTrio aired episode 50 of the podcast in which James Benham (@jamesmbenham), Rob McKinney (@conappguru) and Josh Bone (@bim2thebone) discussed the latest construction tech news. Headliners last week included the release of clashMEP, Israeli road technology, 10th year anniversary of the iPhone, highlights from CES 2017 and more! Special guest Christian Coulis (@ccoulis), Vice President of Product Management at Milwaukee Electric Tool (@MilwaukeeTool) also joined to discuss the evolution of smart power tools.
Listen to “ConTechTrio 50 @Dell Canvas & Interview w/ @milwaukeetool Christian Coulis” on Spreaker.
Tech You Should Try:
Dell Canvas – The way you interact with your computer is about to change! The Dell Canvas is a 27-inch productivity screen located on the countertop of your workplace. Once you have connected the canvas to your computer you have the ability to write, draw and send information to the computer screen above. Design professionals in construction could greatly benefit from this product because it can be operated in various ways such as touch, stylus pen, or with the circular dial located on the screen.
Weekly ConTechTrio Twitter Poll:
Last Week’s Poll: Are your BIM Coordinators adding value to your coordinating process?
This Week’s Poll: Does your company utilize Smart Power Tools to control, track and/or manage inventory on the job site? Visit the ConTechTrio Twitter page and answer “Yes” or “No.”
ConTechTrio News:
Download the 2016 Construction Technology Report
The 5th Annual Construction Technology Report, published by JBKnowledge, is now available for download. Get your copy of the 2016 #ConTechReport and learn about the tech solutions and strategies builders are using and how your company compares! Download the Report.
Construction Dive Newsletter – Get the Top Construction News
Looking for a new year’s resolution? What about committing to being as informed on construction tech news as possible? Let Construction Dive help with daily and weekly updates on everything you need to know about the industry. Sign up for the free newsletters at constructiondive.com/trio
Construction Tech News:
Industry Education, Insights & Trends
Construction Executive Technology and Software Rundown
Marla McIntyre provides a rundown of notable products, such as the worlds toughest coffee maker created by OXX, Keytroller’s new CYBERWATCH LAN, Rufus Labs’ new Rufus Cuff and more!
Highlights from CES 2017
Here is a rundown of the best technology James Benham came across at CES 2017, the world’s largest consumer electronics trade show, including but not limited to, a DAQRI headset and hardhat, Hatchbox 3D printers, OtterBox universal case and much more from the trade show in Vegas!
Happy 10th Birthday iPhone
The device that introduced the world to a mobile touchscreen device, and shaped the way we communicate celebrates its 10th anniversary on January 9th.
MIT Invented the Material We’ll Need to Build in Space
MIT Scientists are taking us one step closer to building in space, by taking graphene, which is a two-dimensional form of carbon, and making a tube out of it that is ten times stronger than steel and only 5% as dense.
Five Myths about the ELD Mandate for Construction Contractors
For Construction Pros explains 5 myths about the electronic logging devices and how contractors will ultimately benefit from the changes to come from moving away from paper log books to electronic logging devices.
Partnerships & Acquisitions
FabPro1 Planning to Roll Out Version 2 & Integrate with Forge
A web and mobile based application (@Fab_Pro1), is using Forge to bring model viewing directly into FabPro. This is a great example of what can be done with Forge. FabPro1 Version 2 will soon be able to be viewed with drawings.
3D Printing
Rocket Crafters Granted Patent for 3D-Printed Rocket Fuel
3D printing is making huge strides! Rocket Crafters, Inc. received a patent for fueling hybrid liquid/solid rockets using 3D printing technology.
Autonomous Vehicles
Las Vegas Launches the First Autonomous Shuttle on U.S. Roads
An automated, self driving, fully electric shuttle created by Navya is now available on the streets of Las Vegas.
Augmented & Virtual Reality
Shoes That Let You Feel the Walking Surface in VR
“Immersion” taken to the next level. These plastic shoes have two straps that go across your feet, as well as, tactile feedback motors in the front and back side to amplify your VR experience. This means, you feel the slushy snow under your feet, grains of sand between your toes and water splash all around your feet.
Building Information Modeling (BIM)
BuildingSP, Inc. Announces the Release of ClashMEP
An add-in for Autodesk Revit, ClashMEP, allows you to automatically detect clashes in real time as you are modeling. Clashes are identified directly on the Revit model in both 2D and 3D display views.
Emerging Technology
Israeli Startup Testing Road Technology that Can Charge Vehicles While Driving
Construction Dive explains how a startup company called, ElectRoad, created an electromagnetic power system that charges your vehicle through wireless charging strips that are buried 18 inches under the asphalt.
Uber now Suggests Destinations Based on your Calendar
Uber has taken transportation efficiency a step further. After granting permission, Uber can now suggest destinations for your next meeting place based on your agenda. This feature can be helpful for out of town business professionals looking to go to a dinner close by after their scheduled meeting.
Christian Coulis, Vice President of Product Management at Milwaukee Tool, Discusses the Evolution of Smart Power Tools
In the second half of the podcast, Christian Coulis, President of Product Management at Milwaukee Tool joined the ConTechTrio to discuss the evolution of smart power tools. Christian was born in the suburbs of Chicago, however he was raised all over the Midwest. After receiving his Undergraduate degree from Indiana University, Christian immediately went into the power tool and construction equipment industry. After 16 years in the industry, and a little over 7 years with Milwaukee, Christian says that “its been an unbelievable ride.” (Fun Fact: After loosing a bet to a co-worker about the Bears’ loss, Christian now has to use a large ice cream phone case for the next month.)
Christian was drawn to Milwaukee Tools based on the company’s passionate and driven culture. Christian explains how the company doesn’t view themselves as a power tool maker or manufacturer, but as a solution provider for the people who use their products. On the podcast, Christian reviewed the history of the M18 battery pack, explained the ONE-KEY system, and announced the exciting upcoming release of the ONE-KEY tick – available in a month. ONE-KEY tick is an industrial strength tile that allows you to track anything on the jobsite. Christian and the ConTechTrio wrapped up the interview by discussing Milwaukee Tools’ battery voltage market strategy, the changing expectations of customers and how the company is keeping up with emerging technology.
Tune into the ConTechTrio podcast Thursday, January 19, 2017 for Episode 51, featuring Brent Darnell discussing the EQ use case for your performance in construction. Until then, you can catch up on past episodes of our construction technology podcast and even check out some bonus episodes via the links below!
Listen: Spreaker, SoundCloud , YouTube, iTunes
Follow On Twitter:
JBKnowledge: @JBKnowledge
ConTechTrio: @ConTechTrio
James Benham: @jamesmbenham
Rob McKinney: @conappguru
Josh Bone: @bim2thebone
