Deploying new technology often requires its own set of skills, and Texas A&M University’s College of Architecture is exploring what it would take for those in its construction management program to be able to assess and implement new technologies
On September 12, the university hosted a small construction technology pitch competition in partnership with industry association Society for Construction Solutions and venture capital firm Brick & Mortar Ventures.
The long-term goal is not just to add another academic certification, but to ensure that students pursuing construction management degrees are prepared for the modern workforce, says Stephen Mulva, research professor at the Texas A&M College of Architecture. “The one thing that would be great is if you could bring more state-of-the-art technology into the classroom and help students understand career opportunities related to technology.”
The initial competition focused on startups targeting the needs of construction contractors who do a lot of work themselves. Presentations from eight startups included robotic designs from Rugged Robotics, automated workplace vending machines from Friendly Vending Service and inflatable concrete formwork from Automatic Construction. The contest’s $10,000 prize went to Edison Motors, which is developing an all-electric transport truck to deliver materials to off-grid locations.
“I hear a lot from companies about an unmet need for construction technologists,” says Curtis Rodgers, partner at Brick & Mortar Ventures. “It shouldn’t just be one person in the company, it should be decentralized,” with people able to evaluate and foster technology in an organization.
Rodgers and Mulva say pitch meetings will be held quarterly at Texas A&M on different construction topics, focusing on student involvement and hearing innovations from other industries.
