Since 2021, the ABC National Construction Technology and Innovation Committee has taken members directly inside the headquarters of companies leading cutting-edge developments in construction technology. In 2023, the committee visited Autodesk’s Technology Center in Boston; in 2024, JLG welcomed the alliance to its innovation center in Hagerstown, Maryland; last year, Meta collaborated with ABC on the development of smart safety glasses. This year, Hensel Phelps hosted the committee members—alongside other industry guests—at its Diverge Innovation Center in Scottsdale, Arizona, and this visit was special.
“ABC’s construction technology and innovation committee was honored to spend the day at Diverge,” says Matthew Abeles, ABC vice president of construction technology and innovation, “and understand from different innovation leaders, how robotics, drones, AI, smart glasses and 3D printing will make the construction industry safer, more profitable and help ABC members win more work.”
The morning was filled with hands-on labs, product presentations and discussions on pertinent industry predicaments. Document Crunch*, STACK* and Kantiv each demonstrated predictive AI platforms for document integration, data synthesis and analysis, and overall project management and efficiency. Alquist showcased a 3D concrete printing robot while Revolute operated its hybrid mobility robot. Abeles discussed the ongoing concerns of the federal DJI drone ban and Andrew McCoy from the Coalition for Smart Construction (in partnership with Virginia Tech) detailed the importance of early talent recruitment and ongoing research and innovation.
The day concluded with a presentation from SmartApp* on the new Oakley Meta Vanguard smart safety glasses. The device connects to SmartApp’s Brena AI software to record video, translate language in real time, capture photos and photo bursts and more. They are also ANSI Z87 rated.
But the highlight of the event was in the afternoon when Thai Nguyen, director of innovation at Hensel Phelps, unveiled the newest plaque on Hensel Phelps’ partner wall—Associated Builders and Contractors.
“The partner wall represents the people who are helping shape what construction looks like next,” says Nguyen. “ABC has been a champion for innovation across the industry, and we’re excited to keep building this partnership with ABC and the committee members.”
In attendance to mark the moment was ABC 2026 National Chair Thomas “Murph” Murphy who signed the plaque alongside Adam Latourelle, chief information officer at the BR Companies and chair of the ABC Construction Technology and Innovation Committee.
“This tech event was the future happening now,” says Murphy. “Hensel Phelps’ commitment to not only new technology but to the people who are developing it is why they are a leader in the industry. This event was the merit shop philosophy on display.”
Milwaukee Tool* also received a partner plaque.
Longstanding relationships between construction programs like the ABC Construction Technology and Innovation Committee and Hensel Phelps’ Diverge Innovation Center help foster the innovations and encourage the collaborations taking construction into the coming decades.
To learn more, visit abc.org/technology/tech-alliance and read this year’s Tech and Innovation reports.
*Tech Alliance member
SEE ALSO: TOP PERFORMING CONSTRUCTION COMPANIES OF 2026 NAMED BY ABC
