Hexagon Releases 1st Autonomous Construction Tech Outlook

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Eighty-four percent of technology decision makers at general contracting firms across North America, the United Kingdom and Australia have adopted some form of autonomous technology in the last year to help address key business priorities and challenges. Additionally, 79% said they will be investing more in autonomous (or automated) technology, with 54% planning to spend between $5-15 million ($7.1 million on average) in the next three years. Yet despite the strong adoption and investment numbers, there is a significant disconnect in the industry’s understanding of the technology, its application and benefits that will hinder optimization if not addressed. These are … Read more

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ViPER+ Accurately Tracks Workers’ Jobsite Location to Enhance Safety

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University of Houston computer scientists have developed a new system to keep construction workers safe at jobsites. Their findings and process are laid out in a study published in the research journal Applied Sciences. ViPER+ utilizes ultra-wideband technology for location tracking, and automates the monitoring of location-based safety policies and detects any violations of the policies while workers and equipment are working. The system surmounts challenges of other ultra-wideband-based, real-time safety monitoring systems primarily because it overcomes non-line of sight situations; e.g., when construction loaders and other equipment block the signal between the transmitter and receiver in ultra-wideband radio transmissions. … Read more

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New Learning Commons Provides Collaborative, Social Spaces

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The new Learning Commons at Kettering University located in Flint, Michigan complements the university’s curriculum with a facility  focused on collaboration, ideation and digital technology. The new 105,000-square-foot Learning Commons incorporates building systems that speak to the permanence and longevity of the institution, while offering durability for the decades ahead. The four-story design features an open-air atrium, and a skylight that fills the entire interior space with natural light. The first and second floors feature public gathering, dining and collaborative spaces, focused on creating dynamic social spaces for students. The third and fourth floors consist of additional collaborative spaces and … 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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Bigger, Better, Faster

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A Superintendent’s Approach to New Technology By Devin McLaren Technology is constantly evolving to not only change the way we build, but also to change the way project teams collaborate and problem solve in a challenging landscape. To achieve such progress, technology and innovation must play a key role in offering craftsmen and women new ways to improve means and methods, efficiency, speed-to-market delivery, safety and quality control. Technology is critical to construction both in the design and in the building process — the advances that have been made over the last 20 years save time and money every day … Read more

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