7 Technology Innovations that Changed Construction in 2018

Impressive technological strides have been made over the past year that will continue to carry momentum into 2019

December 12, 2018

Kathleen Brown

Construction Dive

Around the end of the year we often focus a lot on what is ahead of us in the new year. But, we can't forget to reflect on everything that has happened over the course of this year. Construction Dive took an in-depth look at seven of the most striking construction technology innovations of 2018.

These include:

VR and AR's influence on training
Humanoid bot independently installs drywall
Artificial intelligence opens doors for contractors
Connected hardhats monitor workers' safety
Hyperloop is nearing reality
"Constructuing" marries manufacturing efficiency to building process
Drone hardware and analytics become more commonplace

(more on these 7 technologies that took a foothold in 2018...)

The construction industry already is adopting AI to fundamentally change and speed up the building process.

AI in Construction: What to Expect

Instead of wading through construction documents to determine appliance packages or contract obligations, workers can type the question into their cell phone and Chat GPT will provide the answer.

AI can play a pivotal role in optimizing supply chain processes even without a fully developed data strategy.

6 Steps to AI Adoption in Construction

By implementing AI in areas that don't require extensive data infrastructure, businesses can lay the foundation for a more innovative and resilient future.

Dynamic insights, gained using predictive models powered by AI, can help employees to make data-informed decisions which typically lead to enhanced project outcomes.

Construction AI Strengths & Weaknesses

The construction industry stands at the precipice of a transformative era fueled by artificial intelligence and ever-increasing pressure to build utilities, transport, energy, and housing to meet the needs of a growing population.

While managing rental costs is crucial, contractors must also consider the quality of the equipment. Downtime due to equipment failure can be costly, impacting project timelines and overall efficiency.

Navigating Construction Equipment Rental Costs

A balanced focus on price, duration, and quality -- supported by strong supplier relationships -- is key to achieving efficient and cost-effective equipment rental management.

Unicontrol and Level Best, united in their commitment to driving innovation and efficiency in the construction industry, aim to push the boundaries of construction technology, setting new benchmarks for excellence as the industry becomes increasingly receptive to these advancements.

Unicontrol to Integrate 3D Tech With Level Best Equipment

By integrating Unicontrol's 3D machine control system with Level Best's precision grading equipment, this partnership aims to raise standards in machinery efficiency and usability.

The electric-powered excavator can be charged rapidly using the PowerTree.

DEUTZ Highlights Eco-friendly Parts, Software

The company will showcase the TCD 3.9 engine in the sub-4 liter category along with an electric excavator, powered by DEUTZ Electric System, and the DEUTZ PowerTree mobile rapid charging system at INTERMAT.

The message is clear: as construction progresses into a new digital era, success will favor companies that empower their people with robust capabilities.

Preconstruction Support, Training Vital

The message is clear: as construction progresses into a new digital era, success will favor companies that empower their people with robust capabilities.

Dsc00805 Edited

The Top 25 Pavement Maintenance & Reconstruction Products 2024

After a few years hiatus, the Top 25 Pavement Maintenance Products is back and will be better than ever!

The new feature is designed to help operators solve challenges, hone their skills, understand equipment control and refine manual dexterity while navigating through equipment malfunctions or distractions.

CM Labs Adds Dynamic Fault Injection to Intellia Instructor

The new feature is designed to help operators solve challenges, hone their skills, understand equipment control and refine manual dexterity while navigating through equipment malfunctions or distractions.

To address various challenges with surveying, Point One is releasing automatic assignment of datums and base stations.

Point One Navigation Releases Precision Platform for Surveyors

To address various challenges with surveying, Point One is releasing automatic assignment of datums and base stations.

While generative AI has seized the popular imagination, parametric AI is more practical because it enables a preconstruction professional to quickly change various parameters of a project to yield predictive analytics about cost.

3 Ways Parametric AI Will Change Commercial Preconstruction

While generative AI has seized the popular imagination, parametric AI is more practical because it enables a preconstruction professional to quickly change various parameters of a project.

Canadian-based tech company Mercator AI has announced it is expanding into the U.S., starting with Texas.

Construction AI Tool Expands to US

Mercator AI, the AI-powered business development tool for commercial general contractors, announced its expansion into Texas.

Tenna

Tenna, Boom & Bucket Partner on Integration for Equipment Valuations

The strategic partnership and integration aims to enhance a construction business’ ability to manage the lifecycle of their owned fleet.

The UNDERHOOD40’s digital controls include telematics, built-in soft start, safety controls and diagnostics.

VMAC Launches Digital Controls and Telematics for UNDERHOOD 40 Air Compressors

The UNDERHOOD40’s digital controls include telematics, built-in soft start, safety controls and diagnostics.

Worker safety is an area where confirmation bias can have the most disastrous effects, exposing workers all types of potential dangers.

Overcoming Confirmation Bias in Construction Project Management

Confirmation bias can be particularly problematic in project and schedule management, where decisions must be based on accurate and comprehensive information.

Tool Management permits documentation of plant crushing tools and service life in SPECTIVE CONNECT.

Kleemann SPECTIVE CONNECT App with Tool Management

Tool Management permits documentation of plant crushing tools and service life in SPECTIVE CONNECT.

When a prospective site can be made suitable for building by extending utilities (such as water, electricity or gas lines) or infrastructure (such as paving or rail services), funding may be available to offset these costs.

Jobsite Due Diligence Can Prevent Costly Delays

Good building sites remain on the market. But many of those sites must be made good with early planning and intervention.

Understand the choices available to take the “hard” out of work on your dozers, excavators, motor graders, wheel loaders and compactors.

Take the 'Hard' Out of Work

June 13, 2024

Learn the top four advantages of ease-of-use technology from this webinar.

Burds accepts the overall winner trophy.

Caterpillar Competition Winner Talks About the Industry & Her Win

Kait Burds with Mortenson loves the industry and wants to see more women join.

Under the federal Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSH Act), employers have a duty to monitor worksites and prevent hazardous conditions from developing. As it does with other major industry sectors, OSHA issues specific regulations targeting the safety risks unique to the construction sector.

What Artificial Intelligence Means for the Construction Workplace

When integrating AI into their business models, construction companies should carefully weigh the costs and benefits of this technology.

The StrikeSmart PLUS controller works in conjunction with Hilltip’s TempStriker sensor, which continually monitors variables like temperature, humidity and surface conditions.

Hilltip Launches StrikeSmart PLUS Controller

The StrikeSmart PLUS controller works in conjunction with Hilltip’s TempStriker sensor, which continually monitors variables like temperature, humidity and surface conditions.

Adobe Stock 679258598 Gorodenkoff

3 Tactics to Boost Construction Fleet Performance

Telematics, IoT devices, and even AI integrations have the power to significantly improve construction fleet management when utilized effectively.

The concept adaptive reuse is the practice of repurposing abandoned, older structures for a different purpose than what they were originally intended for with the express purpose of extending the building’s life.

Commercial Building Reuse in the Work-From-Home Economy

As the American workplace adapts, the traditional 9-5 will likely continue to become less common. What does that mean for landlocked employers staring down half-empty offices?

TennaCAM 2.0 Heavy Equipment is fully integrated with TennaCANbus, which allows it to deliver ECU data alongside video telematics.

Tenna Unveils TennaCAM 2.0 Heavy Equipment Camera

TennaCAM 2.0 Heavy Equipment is fully integrated with TennaCANbus, which allows it to deliver ECU data alongside video telematics.

The software update, Value Pack 2.0, includes new features in the HP SitePrint Cloud and SW Suite, as well as increased functionality in the AutoCAD plug-in.

HP Unveils HP SitePrint Value Pack 2.0 Upgrade

The software update, Value Pack 2.0, includes new features in the HP SitePrint Cloud and SW Suite, as well as increased functionality in the AutoCAD plug-in.

Many technologies exist to help combat the massive (and growing) issue of construction waste.

Combating Construction Waste with Technology

Construction professionals play a large role in reducing the amount of waste produced on a project. However, the client’s decision-making can also be a factor.

The MY DEVELON digital platform is an expansion of the company’s existing DEVELON Fleet Management telematics offering.

DEVELON Introduces MY DEVELON Digital Platform

The MY DEVELON digital platform is an expansion of the company’s existing DEVELON Fleet Management telematics offering.