Drone Startup Skycatch Raises $30M in Funding

Komatsu and global construction company Bechtel have both employed Skycatch technology to monitor construction sites

May 27, 2015

Bloomberg Business

Skycatch is a drone startup that is attracting industry attention for the use of its drones and software to monitor construction project sites. With the help of private investors, Skywatch is close to reaching $30 million in financing.

Skycatch drones are being used by Komatsu to keep track of equipment at a construction site in Japan as well as global construction company Bechtel.

(more on Skycatch drones...)

FAA Grants Bechtel Permission to Use Drones on US Construction Projects

White Cap has also acquired Crimson Steel Supply, LLC (Crimson Steel), a distributor and fabricator of engineered steel rebar and structural steel products serving non-residential and infrastructure end markets.

White Cap Expands Reach in Oklahoma, Oregon

White Cap has acquired Bend Construction - a supplier of struts, fasteners, anchors, and concrete accessories and products - and Crimson Steel - a distributor and fabricator of engineered steel rebar and structural steel products.

Located in Apodaca, a city in the Monterrey metropolitan area, the site was strategically selected to supply OEM customers with products and services such as tire mounting, sequencing, just-in-time supply and warehousing on a local basis.

OTR to Open Factory in Mexico

Located in Apodaca, a city in the Monterrey metropolitan area, the site was strategically selected to supply OEM customers with products and services such as tire mounting, sequencing, just-in-time supply and warehousing on a local basis.

The Port of Baltimore is used by many of the largest construction machinery manufacturers.

Construction Supply Chain and the Baltimore Bridge Collapse

How much will construction and other supply chains be impacted by the collapse of the Baltimore Bridge and the suspension of traffic through the Port of Baltimore? End users may temporarily face delays and increases.

If you manage assets that are mobile – and every construction company does – theft is too often a cost of doing business. It is also another part of your operations where location data can make a big difference.

Meeting the Challenges of Rural Construction

The essentials of connectivity – whether between people or between devices in an Internet of Things (IoT) solution – can be simpler and cheaper than you think.

Events like Construction Safety Week reminds us that at all times, safety is priority No. 1 for our industry, and that it’s our responsibility to follow, expand and enhance safety procedures every day.

Improving Jobsite Safety Requires New Ideas & Tech

Safety should always be the No. 1 priority in the construction industry. It's important to follow safety procedures every day.

The new 4,000-foot distribution facility marks an expansion of its network and will house the full line of demolition machines with attachments as well as Aquajet Hydrodemolition robots and parts inventory for both brands.

Brokk Opens New Distribution Center in Canada

The new 4,000-foot distribution facility marks an expansion of its network and will house the full line of demolition machines with attachments as well as Aquajet Hydrodemolition robots and parts inventory for both brands.

Bereavement Grief Support in the Aftermath of an Overdose Loss

Bereavement & Grief Support in the Aftermath of an Overdose Loss

Normalize the conversation around grief and bereavement to help provide support to those experiencing the loss of a loved one or co-worker to a death by overdose.

RENCO's Structural Building System — Building Blocks of the Future

RENCO's Structural Building System — Building Blocks of the Future

As a kid, building with blocks was fun and relatively simple. The construction industry could use an easier and more sustainable way to build infrastructure and RENCO has a solution.

An aerial image of the Unified Command response operations in Baltimore, Md.

6th Construction Worker Recovered in Baltimore Bridge Collapse

Responders have located the sixth victim in the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore.

Construction safety culture has come a long way since the “Lunch Atop a Skyscraper” photo was taken nearly a century ago, including the introduction of required, basic PPE like hard hats and harnesses. But there are still many areas we must improve in order to drive a safer industry.

Construction’s Silent Crisis: Mental Health

The suicide rate for men in construction is five times greater than the rate for all fatal work-related injuries in the construction industry.

The workforce challenges of 2024 can be conquered by empowering your current team, fostering growth, and embracing people who are unfamiliar with our industry.

How to Overcome Workforce Challenges in 2024

Understand the key strategies to overcome workforce challenges in the construction industry in 2024.

Cemex

CEMEX Partners With Heavy Equipment Manufacturers on Cleanup Race

Construction companies Cemex Ventures, Caterpillar, Hilti, Trimble and others are working together to host the largest construction and cleantech startup competition to date.

AUSA will become part of the Oshkosh Access segment.

Oshkosh to Acquire AUSA

AUSA products will enhance the JLG line of telehandlers. The companies began partnering in 2020, with AUSA manufacturing the JLG-branded SkyTrak 3013 compact telehandler.

Supporting mixed fleets and mixed data connections uniquely defines the VizaLogix product approach and market differentiation.

Volvo CE Offers More Services with New Stake in Software Company

VizaLogix offers products that are different from and, in some cases, complementary to Volvo services.

Skillit catalogs worker skills at such a granular level hiring managers can search by skills that may cut across multiple trades and job titles, expanding the available workforce.

Simple Construction Apps to Solve Common Problems

Contractors and equipment fleets are adopting enterprise software and technology that can change the business, but these lightweight apps address specific pain points with minimal disruption and cost.

Flashtract technology is used to manage payment applications, lien waivers and other compliance and billing documentation electronically, eliminating back-and-forth communication and cumbersome document transfers.

Trimble Acquires Flashtract to Add Tech

The tech is designed to improve payment and info between GCs and subcontractors.

The use of Pre-Task Planning (PTP) activities can increase worker engagement with safety measures by 94%.

How Builders Can Improve Site Safety

While 80% of large contractors offer programs for substance use or mental health, only 29% of small companies offer these programs, and 52% of contractors wish they had more resources for managing mental health.

In the face of this economic uncertainty, construction businesses will undoubtedly face the urge to run out and hoard new projects as a way to insulate themselves against future economic downturns.

4 Keys to Construction Financial Management in 2024

Whether it is coping with fluctuating materials costs or navigating multi-state compliance demands, the financial management workflow within the construction industry is one of the most hectic throughout the business world.

Northern Improvement Co. goes stringless

Eliminate Rework With Equipment & Technology

Roadbuilders are most likely to be early adopters of the latest paving train models or technologies.

The Quasar 360 patented unique latch and slide assembly comes in at only 16 lbs.

Quasar 360 Balloon Light

The Quasar 360 patented unique latch and slide assembly comes in at only 16 lbs.

Adobe Stock 87254627 Yuttana Studio

5 Trends in Construction Worker Background Checks

Keeping a close eye on these trends will not only safeguard construction firms from being blindsided with liabilities, but will provide them with direction as they build their plan and adapt their background check policies for the new year to come.

Equipment rental businesses need to do their homework in order to get financing in this economic climate.

Do Your Homework to Get Financing

Having lenders who really understand the rental business and its related risks is the key to managing the business through thick and thin.

Salvors with the Unified Command continue wreckage removal from the M/V DALI, May 4, 2024, during the Key Bridge Response 2024.

Crews Ready to Remove Bridge Piece Atop Dali

Salvage crews within the Key Bridge Unified Command continue to prepare for the complex task of removing the large piece of bridge lying on top of the M/V DALI.

Bobcat Light

Bobcat PL65 Jobsite Light

Featuring a fuel-efficient Kubota engine paired with a high-output 6 kW or 8 kW alternator, Bobcat light towers provide light and power concurrently with a class-leading runtime of 105 hours.

Components that can improve visibility include rearview cameras, around-view monitor camera systems and sensors.

How to Prepare Equipment for Summer Extremes

From operator health to equipment maintenance, steps can be taken to protect the assets and people on construction sites.

National Skilled Trades Day aims to raise awareness about the benefits of skilled trades jobs in the United States.

Ways to Promote, Celebrate National Skilled Trades Day in Schools, Businesses

Skilled trade jobs often offer excellent pay, as well as benefits and healthcare.

The BILT survey found that 89% of executives were concerned that their training programs were inefficient.

Skilled Trade Labor Shortage: Time for Change

BILT released a research report that indicated that over 30% of the respondents said recent hires would resonate best with immersive digital training and yet it currently only makes up 2% of the present training methods.