Starting Off:
Last Friday, the ConTechTrio aired episode 70 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 BIMBOX workstations, DeWALT’s Job Site WIFI System, PlanGrid Field Reports, EarthCam’s GigapixelCam X1, and much more! Special guest, Mostafa Akbari, CEO and Founder of HoloBuilder, also joined to discuss 360° photos and VR technology on job sites.
Tech You Should Try:
BIMBOX is a workstation that is built specifically for AEC applications and customized to meet your specific needs. BIMBOX offers four computer systems – STRYKER, LYNX, VECTOR and RAPTOR. Click here to get more information! [Fun Fact: The ConTechTrio use BIMBOX to power their weekly podcasts.]
Weekly ConTechTrio Twitter Poll:
Last Week’s Poll: Is your company using drone technology on project sites? The poll resulted in 74% “Yes” and 26% “No.“
This Week’s Poll: “Does your company use a virtual reality solution to visualize the job site during construction?” Visit the ConTechTrio Twitter page and choose from the following answers “Yes, “No“ or “What’s virtual reality?”
Construction Tech News:
Industry Education, Insights & Trends
[Video] Crane Flips While Lifting Large Section of Viaduct
The video below shows a recent crane collapse in Northern Italy, while it was carrying a large section of viaduct. According to Vertikal, no injuries were reported.
DeWALT Releases Job Site WiFi Product
DeWALT has introduced a new age of job site community with their new Job Site WiFi System. This system will provide constant connection on every inch of the job site, as well as, increase productivity, share real time data and allow workers to collaborate in real-time.
PlanGrid’s New Daily Report Feature
Thanks to PlanGrid announcing their new Field Reports feature, construction professionals can say goodbye to wasting hours every week filling out paper reports. PlanGrid’s Field Reports allows professionals to manage and track pre-existing forms, use template forms, add photos, access online and much more!
3D Technology
The All-In-One System Starts with the Matterport Pro2 3D Camera
The Matterport Pro2 3D Camera is a high resolution reality capture camera with 4K photography, immersive virtual experience, print ready photographs, 3D measurements and much more! With a single scan, you can receive everything you need to communicate, market and modify real-world locations with your customers. Click here to pre-order the Matterport Pro2 Camera today!
Trimble Acquired NM Group for 3D Utility Visualization and Modeling
Last week, Trimble announced the purchase of the Network Mapping Group Limited (NM Group), a company that offers services across the 3D spectrum and is known for Caydence, an enterprise portal for 3D utilities information. Trimble explains that, “The acquisition of NM Group expands its energy solutions portfolio with high-value data modeling and 3D visualization services for the utilities industry.”
It’s the End of BIM as You Know It – Are You Ready for Connected BIM?
Nicolas Mangon, Vice President of AEC Strategy and Marketing at Autodesk, discusses the power of working with intelligent computers and sensors and how the construction industry needs to leverage technology to make more effective, informed decisions.
Emerging Technology
Forward Labs’ New Solar Roof is 33% Cheaper than Tesla’s
This article highlights how a startup, called Forward Labs, has created solar roof technology that is 33% cheaper than Tesla’s solar roof and can be installed in half the time. Unlike Tesla’s individual solar panels, Forward Labs solar roof is one large layered piece that is made up of monocrystalline solar cells. Watch the video below to learn more!
Making the Machines that Replace Humans
This article takes readers on a visit through a robot factory in Ohio, as well as, discuss why industrial robots like the ones made in the Ohio Yaskawa Factory have cost thousands of Americans jobs. Learn more about Yaskawa robots here!
EarthCam Introduces New Hybrid Construction Camera Technology
EarthCam announces the launch of its GigapixelCam X1, which is EarthCam’s new hybrid construction camera. The GigapixelCam X1 is an autonomous construction camera that broadcasts live video to ultra-high resolution imagery. Learn more about the GigapixelCam X1 and its features here.
[INTERVIEW] Mostafa Akbari, CEO and Founder of HoloBuilder, Discusses 360° Photos and VR Technology on Job Sites
In the second half of the podcast, Mostafa Akbari, CEO and Founder of HoloBuilder, joined the ConTechTrio to discuss 360° photos and VR technology on job sites. Mostafa was born and raised in Germany, and received a Computer Science degree at RWTH Aachen University in Germany.
In the interview, Mostafa explains the limitations of 360° cameras, as well as, future software and sensor integrations for HoloBuilder. Mostafa and the ConTechTrio wrapped up the interview by discussing HoloBuilder’s virtual 360° tour of CONEXPO-CON/AGG with their Ricoh Theta S, HoloBuilder’s plans to work with Microsoft HoloLens, as well as, the announcement of HoloBuilder’s Multi-User collaboration.
Tune into the ConTechTrio podcast this Friday for Episode 71, featuring Joshua Gloede, the Accounting Partner at Accodex Partners, discussing business intelligence for construction.
Listen to the Podcast: Spreaker, SoundCloud , YouTube, iTunes
Follow On Twitter: @JBKnowledge, @ConTechTrio
