Apps

Fintech startup Billd has secured $60M in funding from LL Funds to launch a new payment method for the construction industry. With Billd, construction suppliers can offer financing and payment solutions to purchase materials upfront and pay over time.

Products

CM Labs Simulations, developer of Vortex training simulators, new AR application brings a virtual mobile crane into the classroom, where trainees can interact, conduct walkarounds and learn fundamentals of machine inspection. Trainees get behind the controls of an equipment simulator for a built-in training curriculum or focus on specific operator skills.

Sensera Systems’ SiteCloud-AERIAL automated drone photography capture service gives customers flexibility in scheduling flights. Once in the air, imagery is uploaded to a SiteCloud account. Other new Sensera products include XL-Extended Solar Powered Series of solar/wireless jobsite cameras; trailer-mounted Portable Surveillance Systems; and Powered Camera Feature with AC powered option.

Leica Geosystems’ Leica BLK3Dmeasurement and documentation device delivers 3D measurements from 2D images. The BLK3D looks like a smartphone and its built-in sensors and software feature powerful edge detection that delivers a simple point, click and tap-to-measure user experience.

Topcon SmoothRide resurfacing system scans road surface at highway speeds while collecting millions of data points. It’s fully automated with GNSS and sonic tracker control to deliver accurate thickness boundaries while maintaining projected yield. The SmoothRide system uses a Topcon RD-M1 Road Resurfacing Scanner attached to a vehicle using standard tow hitches and hooks, then collects millions of data points automatically.

The Bosch GCL100-80CG 12V Max (green beam) and Bosch GCL100-80C 12V Max (red beam) Connected Cross-Line Lasers with Plumb Points combine cross-line laser precision and two laser plumb points. These tools feature Bosch-exclusive VisiMax™ technology, which monitors tool temperature and power consumption to deliver the brightest line for the job. Users can connect the laser to a smart phone with the free Bosch Levelling Remote App.

Software & In the Cloud

The Signavio Business Transformation Suite is an integrated solution for modeling, analyzing, optimizing and executing processes and decisions in one platform. The suite includes a process manager to model business processes, workflow accelerator to automate common or repetitive business processes, process intelligence to analyze business data, and collaboration hub for communicate and plan with colleagues.

With DrawAlert Construction Administration Software version 3.5 project owners can get digital signatures from subcontractors verifying the payment date and amount received. The Document Library has an improved search and sort functionality, gathers warranty information and gives subcontractors the option to forward project invitations.

Esticom cloud-based takeoff and estimating application purpose built for low voltage, mechanical, electrical, plumbing and other contractors streamlines the estimating process, increasing the number of awarded projects while reducing overhead costs.

Heavy construction contractors can set specific, variable targets for expected productivity according to the conditions, plan and resources for each day with B2W Software’s new B2W Production Targetscapability for its ONE Platform. B2W Software users can use B2W Schedule for resource scheduling and dispatching and/or the B2W Track solution for field tracking and analysis to implement B2W Production Targets.

A1A Software’s iCraneTrax, fleet and personnel management software for equipment rental companies combines sales, dispatch and fleet maintenance with telematics to manage rental company daily operations and increase revenue. Customized quote proposals, service agreements and dispatch tickets give users control over which fields to display in the job information, job description, and header sections of printouts.

Barton Malow internal software start-up, Flypaper Technologies, introduced Sherlock, a coordination plugin for Navisworks® that automates clash detection (pipes/conduits/ducts/walls/and more) and highlights a clash HeatMap in models.

Partnerships & Acquisitions

Enstoa has acquired Lifecycle Technology, a global technology and consulting firm that delivers information management solutions to the engineering, construction and asset intensive industries.

Katerra is on a tear with Japanese conglomerate Softbank Group technology leading a $700 million financing round. A year ago Softbank’s Vision Fund led an $865 million financing round for Katerra to help the company finance an expansion of its manufacturing operations. In October, the company acquired Denver general contractor Bristlecone Construction Corp. and in June merged with Indian manufacturing technology company KEF Infra. Katerra also acquired two architecture firms last year, Michael Green Architecture and Lord Aeck Sargent, which gives Katerra 31 U.S. state architecture licenses and credentials in British Columbia and Alberta. Katerra provides end-to-end building services including architecture, interior design, engineering, materials, construction management and general contracting along with labor management services to other contractors and offers materials via direct sales.

Responding to a need to deliver an all-in-one solution, supporting on-site planning, progress communication, snagging, drawings and checklists, GenieBelt and APROPLAN are merging to form LetsBuild - the European leader in delivering an end-to-end solution to the global construction industry. The joint platform will help companies standardize their processes and collect more data.

Video & Cool Stuff

The Honda Autonomous Work Vehicle prototype off-road vehicle performs mundane tasks and has the potential to minimize human exposure to dangerous environments. The prototype vehicle features GPS and sensor-based autonomy capable of guiding the unit in almost any environment, a rail accessory mount system for limitless accessories and attachments, and onboard power plug-ins. The vehicle can be programmed in different modes – "Follow Me," "Pattern," and "A to B" – to accommodate a range of applications. Honda is testing the AWV with large-scale solar operation, firefighting and agriculture partners. Businesses and technology partners interested in collaborating with Honda on developing the Autonomous Work Vehicles may email AWV@hra.com.

Ainstein’s Autonomous Automotive Imaging Radar K-79 produces a high-resolution, detailed point cloud of a vehicle’s surroundings for moving objectives, such as other vehicles, bicycles and pedestrians; as well as stationary objects, including railings, idled equipment and buildings. This functionality opens unlimited possibilities for all types of autonomous vehicles, including self-driving excavators, snow removers, shuttles, sweepers, forklifts, agricultural equipment and more.

Check out Sunray Construction Solution’s 2-minute video on getting paid earlier, 5 Resolutions for Subcontractors and Suppliers.