Starting Off:
Last Friday, the ConTechTrio aired episode 79 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 Safety-Reports Mobile Inspection App, OSHA’s web-based injury and illness reporting form, the HP Z VR Backpack, Komatsu’s new project management technology, and much more! Special guest, Joe Lemay, CEO and Co-Founder of Rocketbook, also joined to discuss the evolution of the everyday notebook.
Shameless Plug:
Join the ConTechTrio LIVE in person for the second stop of the 2017 ConTech Roadshow series in Chicago, August 22nd. This one–day event will be filled with interactive technology demos, educational sessions, and networking opportunities for regional construction professionals to learn about the latest technology solutions and strategies. An attendee from the Philadelphia Roadshow said “The entire day was extremely interesting and informative. There was tons of new information and deep dives into topics I thought I was well versed in. It was well worth the time investment.” So, what are you waiting for? Sign up for the Chicago Roadshow today, or learn more about the other ones coming to a city near you!
Tech You Should Try:
Safety-Reports Mobile Inspection App gives users the ability to streamline the inspection process, increase inspection frequency, trend and analyze inspection data and much more. Sign up for your free trial today!
Weekly ConTechTrio Twitter Poll:
Last Week’s Poll: What is the most important quality in a project management software that your company could benefit most from? The poll resulted in 50% “Fast & Effective Collaboration,” 33% “Ability to Access Anywhere,“ 17% “Live Project Overviews“ and 0% Live Schedule Management.”
This Week’s Poll: “How do you prefer to take notes?“ Visit the ConTechTrio Twitter page and choose from the following options: “Paper,” “Voice Recorder,” “App“ or “Who Takes Notes Anymore?“
Construction Tech News:
Industry Education, Insights & Trends
No Customer Refunds for Now-Abandoned Nuke Project
After years of delays, cost overruns, and bankruptcy, South Carolina Electric & Gas and Santee Cooper have decided to abandon their nuke project. Customers who have been helping fund the two new nuclear reactors for over seven years will not receive any refunds. To learn more about this issue, read this article.
Construction Junkie discusses in this article a daring rescue of a construction worker in Sarasota, Florida dangling from a high-rise building for over an hour after his scaffolding failed.
Thousands Evacuated Outer Banks After Power Outage
After a contractor hits a main power line, thousands of people from Hatteras and Ocracoke islands in North Carolina’s banks have to be evacuated. Read this article to learn more about this construction mishap.
University of Michigan to Build $800K Outdoor Drone Test Lab
University of Michigan is planning to expand their drone-testing facilities by adding an $800 thousand outdoor netted facility standing at 50 feet tall. Construction for M-Air will begin this month and is scheduled to be complete by the end of this year.
OSHA to Release Web-Based Injury and Illness Reporting Form
Last week on August 1st, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) released a web-based injury and illness reporting form. The Injury Tracking Application now allows employers to submit forms electronically and is predicted to be mandated later this year by the agency’s new electronic record-keeping requirements.
The Ransomware Scourge: Learn Why 61 Percent of Businesses Were Hit in 2016
Construction Business Owner provides key statistical research conducted from CyberEdge Group to explain why there has been a major spike in ransomware victims. “Three companies that I have done coordination efforts with just this year have been attacked by ransomware.” – Josh Bone
HP Announces World’s First Wearable VR PC Backpack
Last week, HP unveiled their new HP Z VR Backpack, the world’s first professional wearable VR PC. This backpack’s PC has an Intel Core i7 processor that can be used not only on the go but also as a desktop. The HP Z VR Backpack will be available to purchase in September 2017 starting at $3,299.
3D Robotics Mapping Software Comes to DJI Drones
Business Insider discusses in this article how 3D Robotics has decided to partner with DJI drones. This partnership will offer 3D Robotics the chance to make its software available on leading drone manufacturers like DJI.
Emerging Technology
IBM Announces Record Breaking New Data Storage Device
IBM has joined forces with Sony Storage Media Solutions to develop a magnetic tape storage cartridge that is capable of storing 330 terabytes of uncompressed data.
Stanford Develops a Robot That Grows Like a Vine and Carries With It Inestimable Applications
Stanford has developed a new robot that has the ability to weave through tight spaces without getting stuck. This snake-like robot is made of a soft thin plastic that carries with it applications for simplifying construction projects.
Komatsu Unleashes Technology to Make Mine Construction Smarter
Komatsu’s new project management technology called SMARTCONSTRUCTION, has been launched in Australia and New Zealand. SMARTCONSTRUCTION is designed to innovate construction job sites by integrating a host of technologies. To learn more details about Komatsu’s SMARTCONSTRUCTION technology, read this article.
MIT Has Developed a Robot That Can Find The Leak in Any Pipe System
Futurism explains how after twelve years MIT has created their new robotics system called PipeGuard. PipeGuard has the ability to detect any artificial leak in a pipe matrix by simply using pressure sensors and onboard locating equipment.
[INTERVIEW] Joe Lemay, CEO & Co-Founder of Rocketbook, Discusses the Evolution of the Notebook
In the second half of the podcast, Joe Lemay, CEO and Co-founder of Rocketbook, joined the ConTechTrio to discuss the evolution of the notebook. Joe was born in Lowell, Massachusetts and grew up in the Boston area. Joe graduated from Cornell University with a Computer Science degree and then earned a master’s degree from MIT in Business Administration. After College, Joe worked for several software companies before starting Rocketbook in 2014.
In the interview, Joe discusses the tension between the need for using technology and the importance of handwritten notes and explained how this tension shaped the creation of Rocketbook. Joe and the ConTechTrio compared Rocketbook to Evernote Scannable, discussed interesting Rocketbook use cases across all industries, as well as, provided advice to construction professionals who are looking to turn their ideas into a business.
Tune into the ConTechTrio podcast this Friday for Episode 80, featuring Brian Smith, Project Manager of Emerging Technologies at Multivista, discussing new photo workflows in construction.
Listen to the Podcast: Spreaker, YouTube, iTunes
Follow On Twitter: @JBKnowledge, @ConTechTrio
