Apps

Raken’s Production Tracking gives supervisors a mobile tool to track employee time and materials onsite. Users can record quantity of materials installed along with employee and crew time; automatically calculate actual quantities of materials installed and compare with amounts budgeted; monitor progress and identify risks early with real-time data; and bid accurately on future projects based on recorded data.

Products

Varjo™ Technologies introduced two industrial-grade VR/XR headsets—the VR-2 and VR-2 Pro that include support for SteamVR® content, OpenVR development platform from Valve® and integrated Ultraleap® hand tracking technology. Building on Varjo’s advanced 20/20 Eye Tracker™ technology, they offer fast and accurate calibration performance with a Bionic Display™ for better peripheral vision and color consistency.

Software & In the Cloud

Autodesk enhancements to BIM 360 Layout makes layout easy with model data accessible via the cloud so project teams can collaborate across the BIM 360 unified platform. Construction teams can connect a coordinated model directly to the layout process with Robotic Total Stations and GPS devices. Features include direct sync with the cloud, direct connection to Robotic Total Stations and GPS devices and intuitive and user-friendly UI. Updates to the BIM 360 platform include configurable and custom roles, “view-only” document status and permission settings and project templates.

InEight’s next-generation planning and scheduling solution, InEight® Basis combines AI and human intelligence to create true risk intelligence, bringing together historical project data and human expertise so planners and project teams can produce accurate and fully risk-adjusted schedules for construction and other capital projects. The Basis AI engine offers suggestions on which risks and opportunities a project is likely to encounter based on past project information. A whitepaper (registration required) covers benefits of risk intelligence integration into scheduling.

Earthwave’s CMS GS-364 hardware platform connects directly to the computer/bus of off-road equipment to deliver real-time data from pavers, excavators, loaders, dozers and other construction tools. Actionable data, including hour-meter readings, RPMs, fuel usage, temperatures, asset auto-assignment to job and more, is delivered from the jobsite to a phone, tablet or laptop. Automatically-generated reports include Current Fleet Status, Breadcrumb Trail of location information, Maintenance Due and Productivity.

Microdesk’s ARID™ is a Cloud- based Asset Registry and Information Database application that leverages machine learning and AI for enhanced asset data management. Contractors can capture and organize equipment assets in a central location and use ML and AI to analyze assets names and values, identify inconsistencies and make recommendations based on industry standards.

Partnerships & Acquisitions

Hilti Group’s ON!Track asset management system will soon be compatible with Procore’s platform. Hilti ON!Track includes smartphone scanning and active Bluetooth tags help track items moved between warehouses and jobsites and enables contractors to proactively manage repairs and inspections, set reminders for maintenance and verify proper training and certifications before assigning certain assets. The API will open data exchange between Hilti ON!Track and Procore, starting with basic project info and expanding into further seamless workflows.

RedTeam, a collaboration platform for commercial contractors, has entered into three new into channel partner agreements with Accordant Company, construction software and technology provider; Aktion Associates, ERP software reseller and IT infrastructure provider; and Bangert technology solutions provider.

Autodesk and VR/AR collaboration platform The Wild are integrating The Wild and BIM 360, enabling AEC teams to coordinate and collaborate in BIM 360-hosted 3D models, in an immersive virtual or augmented reality workspace. The Wild also integrates with Autodesk Revit and supports major 3D file types.

Video & Cool Stuff

With Autodesk Construction Solutions’ free 15-minute online assessment, contractors and subs can assess how they are performing internally and against industry competitors as measured by seven key performance indicators. The seven KPIs were identified in the Autodesk-Dodge Data Report.

The University of Michigan has built an octocopter that attaches asphalt shingles to roofs with a nail gun.

Engineers at Jaguar Land Rover have produced a 3D printed protective glove that could help protect production staff from workplace injuries. The flexible, lightweight lattice structure reduces muscle fatigue.

MIT has developed a way to make cement using an electrochemical process rather than heat. Limestone is first dissolved in acid, then placed in a tank with an electric current passing through it, potentially eliminating the carbon produced in the process.