Starting Off:
Last Friday, the ConTechTrio aired episode 74 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 CompanyCam’s photo-based app, View’s electronic smart glass, details on Tesla’s solar roof panels, Thyssenkrupp’s rope-free elevator system, and much more! Special guest, Mallorie Brodie, CEO and Co-founder at Bridgit, also joined to discuss the evolution of construction punch lists.
Shameless Plug:
Join the ConTechTrio on July 13th in Philadelphia and on August 22nd in Chicago for the first two stops of the 2017 ConTech Roadshows. These one day events are 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:
CompanyCam’s photo based app allows users to manage field work with smart photos and automatically connect users to the right job. CompanyCam’s smart photos allows users to see who takes the photos, when and where the photos were taken, as well as, allows users to annotate each photo. Try a free trial today!
Weekly ConTechTrio Twitter Poll:
Last Week’s Poll: What is the most limiting factor in trying and/or adopting new technology at your company? The poll resulted in 45% “Budget,” 35% “Employee hesitance,” 15% “Lack of tech knowledge“ and 5% “None, we try everything.“
This Week’s Poll: “How does your company manage punch list?“ Visit the ConTechTrio Twitter page and choose from the following options: “Paper,” “Spreadsheet,” or “Software.”
Construction Tech News:
Industry Education, Insights & Trends
View Raises $200M for Their Electronic Smart Glass
View has raised $200 million dollars for their smart glass windows that are internet-connected and automatically adjust based on weather conditions. View’s smart glass combines electronic controlled glass with a smart phone app and sensors to create windows of the future.
Did Wooden Construction Feed Dorchester Fire?
The Boston Globe discusses in this article the potential causes of the Dorchester fire that happened last week in Boston. The $45 million apartment building was made almost entirely out of wood and was completely gutted after a six-alarm fire. Read this article to learn more about wooden construction and technology.
[VIDEO] Construction Worker Rescued After Suspended Scaffolding Fails
The video below shows two construction workers from Florida trapped 15 stories high after one of their lines snapped. One of the workers was stuck for over an hour before being rescued.
Last week, Apple Inc. iPhone turned 10 years old. This article from Reuters discusses the bumpy start that Apple went through in the early stages of creating the iPhone and looks at how far Apple products have advanced throughout the years.
The Real Story Behind WeWork’s Acquisition of FieldLens
In this article BuiltWorlds explains the real reason behind WeWork, a shared workspace platform, and FieldLens, a mobile project management app, coming together. BuiltWorlds also discusses the history of both companies and how this acquisition will affect the AEC industry.
An Augmented Reality Tape Measure Shows What Apple iOS 11 Can Do
When iOS 11 is released, the Laan Labs smartphone app will be available as well. Berlin-based developers have created an augmented reality tape measure that can measure lengths and objects in the real world. By simply tapping your iPhone screen, users will never have to frantically search for a tape measurer again.
Emerging Technology
Tests Reveal More Details About Tesla’s Solar Roof
According to Electreck, Tesla’s solar roof tiles have received a Class A roofing product classification from Underwriters Laboratories. This will not only help Tesla speed up its permitting process but also its application in the market.
New Wearables Boast Always-On Tracking That Lasts a Week
This article discusses Qualcomm’s new Snapdragon Wear 1200 chips. This wearable has up to ten days of battery life, is always connected via Cat-M1 and Cat-NB1 networks, has voice support for calls, and much more. Qualcomm’s Snapdragon Wear 1200 is designed not only for tracking your loved ones but also serves as a fitness tracker.
ThyssenKrupp Unveils World’s First Cable-Free, Horizontal-Vertical Elevator
ThyssenKrupp has created the MULTI Elevator, the world’s first rope-free elevator system that is designed to revolutionize tall building construction. The MULTI system has no height limitations, can move vertically as well as sideways, and is set to be installed in Germany in 2019.
[INTERVIEW] Mallorie Brodie, CEO and Co-Founder at Bridgit, Discusses the Evolution of Construction Punch Lists
In the second half of the podcast, Mallorie Brodie, CEO and Co-founder at Bridgit, joined the ConTechTrio to discuss the evolution of the construction punch list. Mallorie was born and raised in the capital of Canada in Ottawa. She later attended The University of Western Ontario where she received a degree in Business Administration.
In the interview, Mallorie explains how Bridgit was founded, as well as, why they decided to create the Bridgit Punch List management. Mallorie and the ConTechTrio discuss the challenges of implementing Punch List, explain Bridgit’s top three adoption tools proving Bridgit apps save users time and money, and close the show by discussing cases for subcontractors using the Bridgit Closeout platform.
Tune into the ConTechTrio podcast this Friday for Episode 75, featuring Brian Myers, BIM Manager at Alberici Contractors, discussing training for technology in the AEC industry.
Listen to the Podcast: Spreaker, SoundCloud , YouTube, iTunes
Follow On Twitter: @JBKnowledge, @ConTechTrio
