Three-Quarters of Contractors Believe Advanced Technologies may Alleviate Workforce Challenges, Improve Productivity

  • Posted on

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Q4 2018 USG Corporation + U.S. Chamber of Commerce Commercial Construction Index recently released indicates that, despite staunch concerns over labor shortages and skilled workers, three-quarters of contractors believe advanced technologies may improve labor productivity on jobsites. According to the Q4 report, while just over half of contractors currently use technologies like drones, equipment tagging, wearable technology and augmented/virtual reality for their projects, 74 percent anticipate adopting such technologies over the next three years. Moreover, 58 percent of contractors also reported difficulty finding skilled workers – the highest level reported in 2018 – suggesting that as builders look for … Read more

Filed under: Economic NewsTagged with: , , , , , ,

Construction More Precise with New Parrot Drone

  • Posted on

Parrot unveiled the new ANAFI Work, a 4K ultra-compact drone solution, designed specifically to help contractors and construction professionals overcome business challenges and boost efficiency and safety while achieving accurate aerial insight. The ANAFI Work features a 4K HDR video, 21 MP high-resolution camera, with a three-axis stabilization system, which allows the drone to shoot ultra-smooth videos and take crisp steady photos. It also features a controllable +/-90 degree tilt camera, allowing professionals to inspect under structures such as balconies or bridges. ANAFI Work’s camera is also equipped with a lossless zoom, and up to 3 times standard digital zoom, … Read more

Filed under: eNews, ProductsTagged with: ,

Newtecnic Appointed to Oversee Istanbul City Museum Construction

  • Posted on

Following its involvement since the early design stage, Newtecnic have been appointed by Salon Architects to coordinate the design of structure, façade and MEP engineering for Turkey’s new Istanbul City Museum. The building, located in the Topkapi district, is under construction and due for mid-2019 completion. The deceptively simple building envelope gives the appearance of being a solid mass that, through the provision of massive splits in the façade, invites visitors to explore the 8,000-year story of Istanbul as though they are entering an archaeological site. As part of its new role, Newtecnic will optimize the façades, main structure and … Read more

Filed under: Around the World, eNewsTagged with: , , , , ,

Making Room for Millennials at the Jobsite

  • Posted on

Construction has often been considered one of the last industries to embrace technology. That is starting to change, however, as construction companies look for new ways to change the mindset of those working at the jobsite. Enter the younger generation, otherwise known as millennials. They have grown up with apps and solutions to solve just about any system problem that arises. As the industry evolves, it will have to embrace more innovation in order to entice and appeal to millennials—and those even younger. Some of the emerging technology that millennials appear to be comfortable with that they might leverage on … Read more

Filed under: eNews, NewsTagged with: , , , ,

Using Drones to Streamline Work, Cut Costs and Manage the Jobsite

  • Posted on

By Tom Simon If you want to see how the $505-million Mercyhealth Hospital and Trauma Center-Riverside in Rockford, Illinois is being built, just look to the sky. In a first for Mortenson, the builder is using drones to map, plan and manage complex site utilization faster and better than traditional methods make possible. Unlike the unmanned aerial vehicles used to produce those entertaining novice videos on YouTube, these drones are delivering precision video and images with dimensional data of the 65-acre construction site in near real time. The builder integrates the drone-captured data and images with the project’s BIM and … Read more

Filed under: eNews, TechnologyTagged with: , , , ,