Technology

Construction Technology and Software Rundown: Dec. 7, 2018

Here's the latest in construction technology and software trends.
December 3, 2018
Topics
Technology

Products

With Openpath smart security solutions, administrators control building access, door locks and guest passes from a desktop or app while maintaining building security. Openpath’s hands-free mobile entry solution and patented SurePath Mobile technology ensures reliability and quick entry with Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and LTE connectivity.

Aquajet Systems AB’s Ergo System hydrodemolition robot has four times the power of a hand lance in a compact footprint that easily moves around the jobsite. The Ergo System incorporates a controller unit, which powers and controls the hydraulics; Ergo Power Head, which manipulates the high pressure lance; and either the spine or the climber, unique systems used to support and maneuver the power head, based on project needs. The climber attaches to any standard scaffolding pipes and robotically moves along it to deliver powerful hydrodemolition forces for vertical

Brinno industrial-Grade professional construction camera, BCC200, a wire-free, weatherproof camera bundle, installs without wiring or power requirements. It illustrates the entire project, over days, months, or years, in few minutes with instant HDR time-lapse video.

Software & In the Cloud

TRIK drone mapping and 3D reporting software for structural inspection automatically turns drone photo feeds into an interactive 3D model, which can be measured and annotated. The 3D model created also doubles as a database for searching for photos, draw additional data, detect structural changes and create maintenance projects directly from the platform.

PlanGrid Tasks, which allows project teams to connect the dots between planning in the office and execution in the field, gives construction teams the ability to capture and track all work in one place. Teams can organize and prioritize tasks at the start of a project or create them in the field from within the PlanGrid platform, assigning tasks to anyone on the job. Field teams can view tasks from their tablet or smartphone. Project leaders can assign tasks to multiple individuals or groups, and are empowered with real-time feedback on what has been completed and what is at risk.

BetterGIS, formerly known as UndergroundGIS, enhanced cloud-based platform UVARA, provides owners, operators and third-parties with a streamlined, simplified GIS that maps a wide range of underground, surface and above ground assets, including pipes, lines, conduits and structures. Previously available only in California, UVARA is now available nationwide.

Viewpoint, a Trimble Company, unveiled software innovations at the Collaborate 2018 User Conference in October. Among the key product highlights were ViewpointOne, which connects best-in-class finance and HR applications with project management and field tools; Viewpoint HR Management that streamlines HR processes such as applicant tracking and employee onboarding; Spectrum Business Intelligence with in-depth reporting tools, dashboards, creative charts, graphs and geographical mapping of data, so users can access data, apply measurements and dynamic calculations, and create comprehensive reports; and Viewpoint Team project management solution with deep ERP integration.

Assignar has raised $6.2 million in Series A funding, led by Tola Capital. Assignar is a cloud-based SaaS platform for construction subcontractors and self-perform general contractors (GCs) to improve visibility into field operations; manage project scheduling including the workforce, assets and materials for projects; and ensure safety, quality and compliance processes.

SensLynx suite of Seamless IoT Solutions is an integrated plug-and-play bundle with everything needed to prevent interruption including software, hardware and connectivity, plus fully managed services and monitoring built-in through Cloud Manager services. SensLynx Seamless Failover automatically rescues lost primary wired or broadband connections to maintain business continuity. SensLynx Seamless LTE deploys primary connectivity to new or temporary (pop-up) locations, while also functioning as a backup or secondary connection. SensLynx Seamless SD-WAN can combine multiple wireless or wired networks into one seamless and super quick connection that’s unbreakable.

Partnerships & Acquisitions

Autodesk is acquiring PlanGrid. As Autodesk connects project data from design through construction and puts predictive insights into the hands of contractors, the acquisition will enable Autodesk to offer a more comprehensive, cloud-based construction platform and accelerate efforts to improve construction workflows.

Applied Software is partnering with TriBuild and eVolve Software to collaborate in the MEP construction market to transform workarounds into true workflows in CAD/Fabrication and Field Solutions. TriBuild’s Field Solutions Division distributes robotic total stations, 3D laser scanning, field software and services for field productivity. eVolve software solution for MEP contractors focuses on efficiency, while Applied Software offers MEP industry-expert consultants to help bridge the technology divide and tailor workflows.

Guardhat IoT is partnering with DuPont Sustainable Solutions, Hewlett Packard Enterprise and Qualcomm Technologies. DuPont will integrate IoT and wearable solutions into DSS’ work with clients around the globe. Hewlett Packard is Guardhat’s official computer, storage, networking and global services partner, providing foundational infrastructure support for the Guardhat platform. Qualcomm provides system-on-chip solutions and platforms featuring powerful edge processing capabilities at low power, cellular connectivity, integrated Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GNSS, hardware-based security, multimedia (audio and video) and sensor processing capabilities. The Guardhat system actively monitors a user’s location, pulse, body temperature and environment; and provides real-time alerts to both the user and their supervisor in the event of a fall, exposure to toxic gases, lockout zones and proximity to moving equipment.

FieldPulse has partnered with GPS Insightto provide in-depth fleet tracking and fleet management features for their platform. Now FieldPulse users will be able to track their company vehicle locations directly from the FieldPulse dashboard.

Propeller drone analytics company is partnering with DJI, civilian drones and aerial imaging technology company, to create the Propeller PPK Solution leveraging the DJI Phantom 4 RTK drone. The fully integrated software and hardware system provides a fully integrated drone mapping system for collecting accurate data from any worksite.

Assignar construction operations management platform integrates with Autodesk® BIM 360™Docs to enable field teams to view project documents, specs, 2D and 3D models and more on the jobsite via Assignar’s mobile application. The cloud-based platform helps subs and GCs in infrastructure construction manage workforce and asset capabilities in real time to capture project scheduling, complete time cards, track production and materials, and manage compliance-related issues. Autodesk BIM 360 Docs is a digital document management platform that links the office to the field through real-time communication and document exchange.

The Travelers Companies is partnering with Triax Technologies and Gilbane Building Companyto explore the safety benefits of wearables and other IoT devices in construction. Travelers will review data collected from Triax’s wearable Spot-r IoT devices on Gilbane jobsites to gain insights into worker incidents, as well as equipment usage in order to make jobsites safer.

Video & Cool Stuff

Boston Dynamics’ robot dog, the SpotMini, has 3D vision and is flexible enough to navigate stairs, avoid obstacles, pick up objects and open doors. It’s being used on a construction site in Tokoyo. The SpotMini can also shake to some funky dance moves.

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