New technologies have entered the market, designed to help contractors do their jobs. Here are some of the newest releases this fall.
Leica Geosystems
The Leica BLK2FLY, an unmanned aerial vehicle from Leica Geosystems, part of Stockholm-based digital reality company Hexagon, is now capable of scanning inside small structures. Like the original model, this new version of the BLK2FLY uses Leica lenses, autonomously navigating Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) and Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (SLAM) technology to create 3D digital scans.
Advanced coding of SLAM algorithms improves BLK2FLY’s autonomous navigation system by making short-range obstacle detection and avoidance more sensitive. The new enhancements also fill map gaps created by shadows, textures or holes. According to the company, these added features allow the UAV to operate inside difficult or dangerous structures to scan, such as power plants, tunnels and warehouses.
Now capable of scanning both exteriors and interiors, BLK2FLY can create more comprehensive digital scans that connect to Hexagon’s cloud-based 3D modeling platform. Users can operate, scan, load and manipulate images from a single tablet control panel. These enhancements are available at no additional cost to current BLK2FLY users.
blue
Bluon is applying generative artificial intelligence to a new troubleshooting tool for HVAC technicians. The company says that its MasterMechanic – now enters beta testing phase open to public use for a limited time, it’s like ChatGPT for operations. Users type in a question about HVAC systems, problems or installation issues and get an instant answer in plain language.
This AI system provides detailed answers to setup questions, diagnostic issues, step-by-step instructions on repairs, recommendations on best maintenance practices, and more. If an issue cannot be resolved using the tool, technicians are connected to representatives with specific knowledge related to the issue.
The company claims it entered complete data for nearly 50,000 problem scenarios. The company leveraged the skills of HVAC mechanics with a wide variety of experience, from residential to commercial environments, including complex, high-efficiency and energy-saving systems.
Beck technology
Preconstruction data company Beck Technology has partnered with takeoff software company Togal.AI, to integrate machine learning into their Destiny Estimator tool. This collaboration allows the estimating program to include 2D take-off plans along with the construction budget in a single process. The company claims that merging these two automated processes can save up to 90% of the time spent on take-offs and estimates.
AIA measurement standards are used to generate accurate plans and bills of materials on take-offs. Including take-offs in a digital estimating program can give contractors more time for higher-value tasks, such as contingency calculations, data analysis and bidding on new jobs, the company says. The AI-generated take-offs function is in addition to the historical bid functions and risk assessment data of this purpose-built construction estimating program.
National Association of Public Service Contractors
The National Utility Contractors Association recently launched new features for its job reporting app. NUCA-WINS allows supervisors to document incidents (injuries, illnesses, site damage, safety or conduct issues, and near misses) as soon as they occur. According to the association, Version 3.0 of NUCA-WINS now offers users even more toolsincluding the ability to add videos or photos, record audio statements, make sketches, track user input, customize data collection and analytics dashboard, and compile all workplace reports.
Available on iOS and Android platforms, the app uses data collection software from Compatica for more efficient information storage and reporting. Companies can customize these reports as well as customize their workflow when using the app, says the association, which also notes how the delay in reporting incidents increases companies’ liability risks. NUCA-WINS records all data required for FROI, OSHA and other workplace incident forms.
Topcon positioning systems
Topcon Positioning Systems offers a new project management integration platform for large civil construction jobs. Aptix connects third-party software to Topcon’s management systems for the automation of data collection, storage and presentation. The platform allows construction teams to use a single program to monitor and visualize information as varied as construction models, machine locations or diagnostics, project schedules, along with the data and location of everyone currently working on the site. work According to the firm, the platform also tracks emissions to help crews measure their carbon footprint to meet sustainability goals.
This new tool brings together several applications to make the control of project deadlines and budgets more efficient, the company adds. Aptix automatically updates schedules and tasks associated with change orders as they are distributed to relevant subordinates or staff.
The program also integrates with common construction industry collaboration platforms such as Microsoft OneDrive and Autodesk Construction Cloud and notifies stakeholders when a new construction file is uploaded.
