Starting Off:
Last Friday, the ConTechTrio aired episode 69 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 Everlast Notebook from Rocketbook, delays in OSHA’s electronic recordkeeping, Google’s new AutoML project, the DJI Spark drone, and much more! Special guest, David Epps, Director of Construction Technology at Winter Construction, also joined to discuss how drone technology is affecting the AEC industry.
Tech You Should Try:
The Everlast Notebook from Rocketbook is a notebook from the future that has the ability to last forever! This smart paper and pen notebook is reusable and can be wiped clean by simply placing a moist towel over your handwritten notes. Before you wipe your Everlast Notebook clean, you can scan and enhance your handwritten notes into the Rocketbook app bringing cloud scalability to pen and paper. Order your Everlast Notebook today!
Weekly ConTechTrio Twitter Poll:
Last Week’s Poll: Does your company utilize real-time communication and location technology to monitor construction site safety? The poll resulted in 29% “Yes” and 71% “No.“
This Week’s Poll: “Is your company using drone technology on project sites?” Visit the ConTechTrio Twitter page and simply answer “Yes” or “No.”
Construction Tech News:
Industry Education, Insights & Trends
Technology and Software Rundown
Marla McIntyre from Construction Executive provides a rundown of technology and software in this article. Topics included HCSS improves safety program management, DT301 rugged tablet, Leica Geosystems new BLK360 laser scanner, and much more!
Cat Takes on Yeti With a Rugged, Insulated Job Site Cooler
Caterpillar is going head to head with Yeti Coolers. Caterpillar has created a 27-quart cooler that is designed to withstand the abuse of the job site while keeping contents inside cool for an extended period of time. This cooler is on sale at the Caterpillar website today for $249 dollars.
Construction Industry Drafts Digital Future With Drones, Giant 3-D Printers
The Wall Street Journal mentions JBKnowledge CEO and ConTechTrio Host, James Benham, in this article while discussing how sensors and augmented reality are helping improve on-site decision making. This is a must read, check it out here!
Aecom Forms Alliance With Chinese 3D Printer WinSun
Aecom, the largest design firm in the world has signed a three year alliance with Chinese 3D printing specialist, WinSun, who recently signed a $1.45 billion contract to print over 15 million homes in Saudi Arabia. Read this article to learn more about this alliance and what it entails.
AIA Releases Updated Edition of its A201 Flagship Documents
The American Institute of Architecture has released the updated version of their A201 construction documents. These documents are updated every ten years, click here to see what was added and updated in this year’s A201 documents.
DeWALT Announces New Lineup of Connected Tools, Tracking Devices, and More
Two years after DeWALT announced their Bluetooth Battery that allows users to monitor battery life and detect the battery if it is stolen, DeWALT makes another announcement that they are upgrading their connected tool platform. This massive upgrade incudes, the Inventory Manager web portal, an updated Tool Connect mobile app, and connected products which include, the new Tag, tools, connector, and batteries.
OSHA Delays Electronic Recordkeeping Injury Reporting
Construction Junkie explains in this article how the Operational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is currently not accepting electronic submissions of injury and illness logs. This is good news for contractors because they now have more time submit form 300A electronically.
Google’s New AI is Better at Creating AI Than the Company’s Engineers
At Google’s I/O ’17 Conference Google shared details about its AutoML project. This new project is an artificial intelligence that can assist the creation of other AIs and make machine learning more accessible to non-experts. Read this article to learn more about Google’s AutoML project.
DJI’s $500 Spark Drone Launches From Your Palm
This article discusses the DJI Spark and its features. Spark is DJI’s smallest drone yet weighing 10.6 ounces. This tiny drone lifts off from the palm of your hand and can be controlled by hand gestures alone. Pre-order the DJI Spark today!
Emerging Technology
World’s Thinnest Hologram Unveiled by Chinese – Australian Research Team
An Australian-Chinese research team have created the world’s thinnest hologram. This Nano- hologram is 1,000 times thinner than a human hair, is visible without 3D glasses, and allows everyday devices to have 3D holograms. Watch the video below to learn more!
New Tech Uses WiFi and Holograms to Let You “See” Through Walls
Scientists from The Technical University of Munich has developed imaging technology that uses Wi-Fi to look through walls to create 3D hologram images. Watch the video below to learn more about the holography of Wi-Fi radiation.
FotoIN Receives Patent for Mobile Media and Data Capturing System
FotoIN, an enterprise technology company, received a US patent on their application process covering mobile media and data capturing management systems. Read this article to gain more insight on FotoIN’s productivity technologies.
[INTERVIEW] David Epps, Director of Construction Technology at Winter Construction, Discusses Drone Technology in Construction
In the second half of the podcast, David Epps, Director of Construction Technology at Winter Construction, joined the ConTechTrio to discuss how drone technology is affecting the AEC industry. David was born in Hawaii and then moved all around the country before settling down in Atlanta, Georgia where he currently resides.
After working at Holder Construction for over ten years, David decided to start working for a smaller firm and ended up becoming the Director of Construction Technology at Winter Construction.
In the interview, David gives advice on implementing laser scanning technology on projects. David and the ConTechTrio wrapped up the interview by discussing the features of DJI drone technology, effective drone workflows at construction companies, as well as, five basic steps for companies looking to build successful VDC Departments.
Tune into the ConTechTrio podcast this Friday for Episode 70, featuring Mostafa Akbari, CEO and Founder of HoloBuilder, discussing 360 degree photos and virtual reality (VR) technology for construction.
Listen to the Podcast: Spreaker, SoundCloud , YouTube, iTunes
Follow On Twitter: @JBKnowledge, @ConTechTrio
