Starting Off:
Last Friday, the ConTechTrio aired episode 75 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 PlanGrid construction app, DroneDeploy’s new overlay tool, Kaarta Contour handheld scanner, Pavegen’s energy-harvesting smart street, and much more! Special guest, Brian Myers, BIM Manager at Alberici Constructors, also joined to discuss training employees on construction technology.
Shameless Plug:
Join the ConTechTrio on August 22nd in Chicago for the second stop of the 2017 ConTech Roadshows. This one day event is filled with interactive technology demos, educational sessions, and networking opportunities for regional construction professionals to learn about the latest technology solutions and strategies. What are you waiting for? SAVE YOUR SEAT TODAY!
Tech You Should Try:
PlanGrid is a construction app built for teams. PlanGrid allows users to create, mark up and distribute plans. Each quarter PlanGrid is adding more and more features including field reports. Watch Rob McKinney, the ConAppGuru, discuss this app in more detail on last week’s Tech Tuesday segment.
Weekly ConTechTrio Twitter Poll:
Last Week’s Poll: How does your company manage punch lists? The poll resulted in 45% “Budget,” 61% “Software,” 21% “Paper“ and 18% “Spreadsheet.“
This Week’s Poll: “How does your company train employees on new technology?” Visit the ConTechTrio Twitter page and choose from the following options: “Hands-On,” “Virtual,” or “We let them figure it out.”
Construction Tech News:
Industry Education, Insights & Trends
Lawsuits Filed Against Home Depot, Menards Over Actual Size of 4x4s
In this article, Construction Junkie discusses lawsuits filed against Home Depot and Menards for deceiving their buyers by using nominal lumber dimensions instead of actual lumber dimensions. The suit claims that buyers felt wronged after receiving 23% less of the product that was advertised to them. Stay tuned for more details to come involving this law suit.
Three State Transportation Agencies Turn to Smart Technologies
State Transportation Agencies in three different states are already seeing returns in investment after replacing traditional practices with smart technologies. Idaho, California and Colorado are saving time and money on road projects by implementing automated machine guidance, 3D modeling and intelligent traffic control devices.
Caterpillar Backs Bricklaying Robot With $2M
Construction Equipment announces in this article how Caterpillar plans to invest $2 million in Fastbrick Robotics, a world leading company in digital construction robots. Mike Pivac, CEO of Fastbrick Robotics, is delighted with this collaboration and is looking forward to the future with Caterpillar.
Meritage Homes Makes Smart Tech Standard in New Homes
After July 5th, Meritage Homes are adding smart home technology to all newly constructed homes. Each home built after July 5th will have a suite of Wi-Fi-enabled home automation solutions that will be known as M. Connected Home. To learn more about Meritage Homes smart technology, read this recent press release here.
Construction Sites Will Be Human-Free By 2050
According to a recent paper published from Balfour Beatty, by 2050 construction sites may be completely human-free. The paper titled “Innovation 2050 – A Digital Future of the Infrastructure Industry” states that current work on sites will be conducted via robots with humans remotely overseeing the projects.
3D Printing
Danielle Clode, a London-based designer, has built a 3D-printed, foot controlled human hand extension. “Third Thumb” is strapped to a hand and sits like a watch while it is controlled by sensors located under the users feet. This project not only shows how prosthetics are improving but also shows users how to extend natural abilities.
Kaarta Contour Handheld Scanner Uses LIDAR to Map Spaces in Real Time
Contour, powered by Kaarta is a handheld real-time 3D mapping system that is lightweight and battery powered. As Contour scans the environment a 3D map is generated without any additional infrastructure.
DroneDeploy Releases New Overlay Tool
With DoneDeploy’s new overlay tool, users can import and overlay data layers within DroneDeploy’s interface. This tool will help users quickly compare the actual site environment to spatial information including design plans and utility maps.
Emerging Technology
Wacky Construction Robot, Might Make Blue Collar Jobs Easier
Last week, researchers from a Swiss university released a video working on a digitally fabricated house. This article explains how robots will not be replacing humans in the work force but instead will be filling in where no people are present. Watch the video below to learn more about automated technology.
RED Launches “Holographic” Smartphone
This article discusses the new 2018 RED Hydrogen smartphone that displays 3D holographic images with no glasses or headsets needed, has a 5.7-inch screen, multi-dimensional audio features and much more. The Hydrogen smartphone is available to pre-order costing around $1,200 dollars.
Pavegen Unveils World’s First Energy-Harvesting Smart Street in London
By simply connecting to an app, walkers on London’s West End can see how much electricity their footsteps are generating. Pavegen has installed a 107-square foot smart street that generates electricity from footprints and then uses that energy to provide lights and bird sounds throughout the area.
[INTERVIEW] Brian Myers, BIM Manager at Alberici Contractors, Discusses Construction Technology Training
In the second half of the podcast, Brian Myers, BIM Manager at Alberici Contractors, joined the ConTechTrio to discuss construction technology training. Brian received a degree in Architecture from Southern Illinois University.
In the interview, Brian explains tools to help technology managers keep up with the learning curve. Brian and the ConTechTrio discuss effective methods that Alberici Contractors use to train employees internally and externally on new technology, provide strategies to follow when implementing new technology throughout your company and lastly discuss recommended events that are beneficial for BIM and Construction Technology Managers to attend.
Tune into the ConTechTrio podcast this Friday for Episode 76, LIVE from the ConTech Roadshow in Philadelphia featuring Bob Snyder, CEO of Binsky and Snyder.
Listen to the Podcast: Spreaker, SoundCloud , YouTube, iTunes
Follow On Twitter: @JBKnowledge, @ConTechTrio
