Starting Off:
Last Friday, the The ConTechCrew aired episode 87 of the podcast with special guest, Michael Carr, President of Touchplan.io and discussed construction scheduling apps. The top headlines included DeWALT’s Laser Distance Measurer, iOS 11 review, Stockpile Reports’ partnership with Apple’s ARKit, Autodesk’s new investment and much more!
ConTechTuesday:
This week on ConTechTuesday, Rob McKinney reviews the new DeWALT Laser Distance Measurer and how it’s improving workflows for field measurements.
Construction Tech News:
Industry Education, Insights & Trends
Dubai to Expand Massive Solar Park to Include World’s Tallest Solar Tower
Inhabitat discusses in this article how there are 2.3 million photovoltaic panels at the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park near Dubai. This massive solar park is also about to get a 700 megawatt extension including a 853-foot solar tower.
iOS 11 Review: 10 Things to Try
Last week, Apple released the iOS 11 update for iPhone users. This update includes a customizable control center, new Files app, updated drag and drop features and much more!
Bridgit Launches New Insights Platform
Bridgit launched a new site management software that is built for the field called Project Insights. Request a demo to learn more!
Contractors Ready for New Silica Rule as Court Challenge Looms
This past Saturday, OSHA implemented its new silica dust rule, right before industry groups are preparing to argue against the need for tighter exposure limits. Visit Construction Dive to learn more.
How to Do Not Disturb While Driving in IOS 11
The new IOS 11 update from Apple comes with a “Do Not Disturb” feature that mutes incoming calls, texts, and notifications while driving in hopes to limit accident-causing distractions.
Partnerships & Acquisitions
Autodesk Invests in AEC Startup for Prefab Management Software
Autodesk is investing in a Boston startup that focuses on streamlining and managing prefabrication supply chain called ManufactOn. Watch the video below to see how ManufactOn works.
Stockpile Reports Announces New Integration With Apple AR Kit
Stockpile Reports, an image based inventory management tool has partnered with Apple’s ARKit to bring augmented reality to their customers.
Emerging Technology
Researchers Have Linked a Human Brain to the Internet for the First Time Ever
A team of researchers from Wits University in South Africa have discovered a way to link the human brain to the internet in real time. Learn more about this huge breakthrough here!
Materialize.X is Using Machine Learning to Disrupt the $300B Engineered Wood Industry
Last week at the TechCrunch Disrupt SF 2017 conference, Materialize.X launched two new products which includes a non-toxic adhesive and machine learning engineered- wood factories.
Geek of the Week:
We Interviewed: Michael Carr 
Day Job: President of Touchplan.io
Fun Fact: Michael Carr has dual citizenship in the United States and Canada
Resume: Civil Engineering degree from University of Alberta, then attended MIT for two years studying technology and construction. After working for Sellen Construction and MOCA Systems, Michael started Touchplan.io in 2014.
Joined the Podcast to Geek Out On: Lean methods in construction, Top 3 favorite books about lean, Touchplan’s future integration plans and lastly how Touchplan helps users get back on track after initial plans change or fail.
Next week on The ConTechCrew: Travis Voss from Mechanical Incorporated will be joining the podcast to discuss all things AR and VR in Construction. Don’t miss it!
Listen to the Podcast: Spreaker, YouTube, iTunes,
Follow On Twitter: @JBKnowledge, @TheConTechCrew
