Starting Off:
Last Friday, the ConTechTrio aired episode 73 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 busybusy Time Tracking app, Intel’s wireless HTC Vive add-on, GE’s laser-powder 3D printer, LG Display’s 77-inch OLED screen and much more! Special guest, Buck Davis, VDC/Project Solutions Manager at Balfour Beatty and Co-owner at BIMBOX, also joined to discuss construction technology training and hardware innovation.
Shameless Plug:
Join the ConTechTrio on July 13th in Philadelphia for the first of four 2017 ConTech Roadshows. The theme for the Philadelphia ConTech Roadshow has been released and it is “BIM & Field Productivity: Using Technology to Make Money, 5 Minutes at a Time.” In addition to educational sessions, networking opportunities, and interactive technology demos, guest speakers include Tim Bodor, Manager of Virtual Construction at H.T. Lyons, Rob Snyder, CEO of Binsky & Snyder and more! What are you waiting for? SAVE YOUR SEAT TODAY!
Tech You Should Try:
The busybusy Time Tracking and Equipment app is a mobile app that closes the gap between teams and their equipment. This mobile app allows users to raise their jobsite IQ with real-time budget reports, cost codes, and software integrations. Start tracking time for free and create an account today!
Weekly ConTechTrio Twitter Poll:
Last Week’s Poll: Is your company printing anything outside of paper plans for project sites? The poll resulted in 87% “No” and 13% “Yes.“
This Weeks Poll: “What is the most limiting factor in trying and/or adopting new technology at your company?“ Visit the ConTechTrio Twitter page and choose from the following four options: “None, we try everything,” “Employee hesitance,” Budget,” or “Lack of tech knowledge.”
Construction Tech News:
Industry Education, Insights & Trends
Technology and Software Rundown
Marla McIntyre, Editor at Construction Executive, provides a rundown of the latest construction technology and software. Topics include, Credential Verification Service’s verification wristbands, release of Assemble Systems’ 2D Smartsheet, Identified Technologies and DJI partnership on commercial drones, and much more!
The 9 Biggest Takeaways from Milwaukee’s New Product Symposium 2017
Construction Junkie explains in this article the biggest takeaways from the 2017 Milwaukee Tool New Product Symposium (NPS) that was held last week at Milwaukee’s headquarters. Topics included the new carbide metal cutting Sawzall blades and hole saws, upgrades in M12 and M18 power tools, new options for silica dust collection, and more!
Inflight Internet Ready to Take-Off
With the technology constantly evolving and growing, Wi-Fi on flights is becoming a must have for passengers. According to a recent study from Euroconsult firm, “By 2021 more than 17,000 airlines will be equipped for inflight internet.” This statistic is almost tripled to the current 6,500 airplanes that are equipped with Wi-Fi.
OSHA Set to Propose One Year Delay on Crane Certification Rule
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) on June 20th 2017 proposed a delay on the new requirements for cranes in the construction industry. According to the Federal Register’s published agenda, OSHA plans to extend the existing requirement involving the safety of operating cranes.
Tips on Implementing Solar-Powered Cameras on a Job Site
TrueLook, a camera technology provider, guides construction companies on tips to consider when implementing solar-powered technology on the job site. The tips includes the importance of location, the environmental impact, costs and more!
Autodesk University London Announcements
Josh Bone discusses a rundown of the top announcements last week at AU London 2017. The announcements included a product called Autodesk Generative Design that is planned to be released later this year, as well as, document access to unlimited users.
Intel’s Wireless HTC Vive Add-On is Where VR is Headed
Intel has added on a wireless system called DisplayLink XR to the HTC Vive, a desktop powered VR system, to wirelessly connect your display to your computer. This add-on enhances the illusion of users VR experience. Watch the video below to learn more about DisplayLink XR.
Drones & UAV’s
GE Tests Autonomous Drones for Equipment, Facility Inspections
Construction Dive explains in this article how General Electric (GE) is leveraging robotics and artificial intelligence to inspect equipment and facilities within its transportation, oil and gas, and power sectors. The drones are sent to dangerous areas to gather data, take photos, and send information back to the team.
Researchers Train Drones to Use Wi-Fi to Look Through Walls
TechCrunch discusses a new system from researchers at the University of California that allows people to see through walls by using two drones, a massive Wi-Fi antenna, and interpolation. Watch the video below to see how it works!
Emerging Technology
Wearable Technology Could Save Lives & Dollars in Construction Industry
This article discusses wearable technology that has the ability to improve safety and efficiency in the building and construction industries. SolePower boots, one of the technologies mentioned in this article, is a self-charging wearable with a variety of sensors which include temperature detection, GPS, Wi-Fi, electronics and inertial measurement units that track location and motion.
GE is Building the World’s Largest Laser-Powder 3D Printer
General Electric (GE) has announced plans to build the world’s largest laser-powder machine that is scheduled to be unveiled this November at the Formnext Show in Germany. The device, developed by a new branch of the company called GE Additive, will use a laser to mold metal powders and have the ability to build parts measuring up to 35 cubic feet.
LG Display’s Latest Screen is Huge, Transparent, and Flexible
LG Display is leading the global display industry after unveiling their 77-inch flexible and transparent OLED screen. The screen can be rolled up to a size of just over three inches, boasts a 4K resolution and is 40% transparent. Stay tuned for more details to come!
[INTERVIEW] Buck Davis, VDC/Project Solutions Manager at Balfour Beatty and Co-Owner at BIMBOX, Discusses Construction Technology Training and Hardware Innovation
In the second half of the podcast, Buck Davis, VDC/Project Solutions Manager at Balfour Beatty and Co-Owner at BIMBOX, joined the ConTechTrio to discuss construction technology training and hardware innovation. Buck grew up in Atlanta, Georgia and graduated from Georgia State University with a degree in Business Administration.
In the interview, Buck explains specific challenges involved with training employees on technology and tips for VDC managers implementing technology training programs. Buck and the ConTechTrio discuss the motives behind creating BIMBOX workstations for the AEC industry, they give hints on upcoming partnerships and announcements involving BIMBOX, and close the show by analyzing the benefits of robotic total stations.
Tune into the ConTechTrio podcast this Friday for Episode 74, featuring Mallorie Brodie, CEO and Co-founder of Bridgit, discussing the evolution of punchlist for construction.
Listen to the Podcast: Spreaker, SoundCloud , YouTube, iTunes
Follow On Twitter: @JBKnowledge, @ConTechTrio
