My Week With an Autonomous Work Vehicle: A Superintendent’s Perspective

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By John Burleson Artificial intelligence, machine learning and robotics continue to top the list of the most critical technological advancements of the 2020s. The sheer number of applications is both fascinating and overwhelming for business leaders, as many race to learn how to harness them most effectively. With a worker deficit of nearly 500,000, the construction industry is an ideal test case for improved efficiencies. In 2022, Robins & Morton began a new collaboration with Honda to field test some of its new construction-focused work vehicles, including its prototype autonomous work vehicle. The AWV is an all-electric vehicle that can … Read more

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Site Seeing the Modern Way

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5 key benefits of advanced inspection systems on the jobsite By John Yunker In a recent report from Autodesk + FMI, 71% of building owners said capturing and retaining data during design and construction helps reduce lifecycle operations costs. While this data can be obtained using several methods, at Skanska we’ve found that using AI, machine learning and advanced technology to collect data can reduce costs on utility usage, repairs and future replacements. At Skanska, we have begun using drones – unmanned aerial vehicles – to inspect existing buildings, allowing us to collect data more efficiently, especially on key structural … Read more

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New AI Resource Guide Available for Contractors

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Associated Builders and Contractors has released an artificial intelligence technology guide for the construction community, which includes definitions, construction use cases and considerations. The purpose of the guide is to provide a level of knowledge to ensure contractors can be active participants in the construction AI conversation. The guide describes uses of AI during the construction project lifecycle, including preconstruction, construction and building maintenance. It also provides definitions of terms, such as deep learning and predictive AI, as well as best practices in drafting office AI policies. “The possibilities of AI technology may sound endless, but we must first educate … Read more

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AI-Backed Security Monitoring Trailers Take on Broader, More Proactive Approach

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Construction site theft is a $1 billion per year problem and growing, according to a report from the National Equipment Register. With the cost of materials like lumber and copper at or near record highs, general contractors and builders cannot afford to take security lightly. Often, it is not the loss of materials that comes as the greatest hit to the budget, but instead it is interruptions in operational continuity. When it comes to protecting construction sites from an attack, a range of options from CCTV systems to 24-hour security guards are often deployed. However, CCTV security installations have typically … Read more

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Get Smarter About Electric Construction Equipment

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Submitted by CONEXPO-CON/AGG Sustainability in the construction industry is being advanced by the public and private sectors. Governments are adopting more clean-air regulations at local and regional levels and companies are adopting sustainability policies and asking partners to help them meet their targets. Consequently, many manufacturers have already developed – or are in the process of developing – electric-powered construction equipment to meet increasing emissions regulations, provide efficiency improvements and lower operating costs. All electric, electric/hydraulic and battery-operated versions rival their diesel and gas counterparts in performance, notes Joel Honeyman, vice president of Global Innovation at Bobcat. The changing industry … Read more

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