AEC Business

In this episode of the AEC Business podcast, Aarni Heiskanen spoke with Shreesha Ramdas, CEO and co-founder of Lumber. The company is innovating in the construction technology space, focusing on workforce management. Shreesha shared his journey from tech startups to the construction industry, driven by a desire to make a meaningful impact in a sector ripe for innovation.

Future-proofing with technology

Shreesha discussed the construction industry's challenges, particularly the impending workforce crisis, with a significant portion of skilled workers nearing retirement. He emphasized the need for digital tools to enhance productivity and attract a new generation of workers.

For construction tech startups, Shreesha advised focusing on customer success and providing proactive services to facilitate the transition to new technologies. He also stressed the importance of making technology an enabler rather than an additional burden for construction firms.

Lumber's mission

Lumber's mission is to empower the often-neglected back office of construction firms and improve the daily lives of field workers through digital transformation. Their platform offers real-time payroll and time tracking, ensuring compliance with complex labor laws and regulations.

Shreesha highlighted the importance of integrating new technologies with existing systems and the need for a service mindset to ensure successful adoption by construction firms.

Looking ahead, Lumber aims to capture and distribute the knowledge of experienced workers to newer employees, enhancing safety and productivity on the job site. Shreesha's vision for Lumber is to not only improve workforce management but also to contribute to a safer and more efficient construction industry.

Learn more

Listeners interested in learning more about Lumber and its offerings can visit its website at www.lumberfi.com or contact its sales team for more information and product demonstrations.

Remember to subscribe to the AEC Business podcast for more episodes on innovation and technology in the construction industry! You can also watch a video version and subscribe to the podcast on YouTube.

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In this episode of the AEC Business Podcast, Aarni Heiskanen interviews René Morkos, the founder and CEO of ALICE Technologies. They discuss construction tech, AI, and ALICE Core, the company's latest product launch.

How the construction technology landscape has changed

The construction tech industry has evolved significantly since 2015, as discussed with René.

In 2015, there was a lack of understanding and reluctance toward construction tech, with some investors even hesitant to invest in the sector. However, by 2017-2018, there was a noticeable shift as construction tech became a sought-after investment opportunity.

This change was attributed to the emergence of chief innovation officers, pilot programs, and innovation budgets within construction companies. They signaled a growing acceptance and integration of technology within the industry.

Increased funding and a new ecosystem

One key transformation in the construction tech landscape has been the increased funding availability for construction tech ideas. René mentioned that today, it is possible to raise money for construction tech concepts, indicating a shift in the funding environment to support technological advancements in the sector.

Another significant change is establishing an ecosystem that supports the identification, evaluation, and integration of technology in construction.

Companies now have AI strategies, innovation strategies, pilot programs, and dedicated CIOs, reflecting a more structured approach toward adopting and implementing technology in construction projects.

There's space for more startups

The podcast also discussed the growing number of startups in the construction tech space. This indicates a surge in innovation and technological solutions tailored for the industry.

René emphasized the need for more startups in construction tech, suggesting that the industry is ripe for technological advancements and digitization.

What's new in ALICE

ALICE Technologies offers an AI scheduling platform that revolutionizes the construction industry by optimizing projects, delivering substantial cost savings, and enhancing efficiency.

René highlighted how ALICE now allows for applying constraint models to schedules. This enables users to ask the software questions and receive real-time answers on the best ways to mitigate delays, resequence work, adjust resources, and more. This level of dynamic decision-making within the scheduling system is a game-changer for construction projects.

The implementation process for ALICE has been significantly streamlined with the introduction of ALICE Core. Previously, setting up the system could take weeks, but now, clients can be up and running within hours. This ease of implementation and user-friendly interface makes it accessible to a wider range of construction projects, from infrastructure to industrial, with a sweet spot of projects valued at 10 million and above.

Success stories

Success stories shared in the episode, such as working with companies on projects like the HS2 high-speed rail in the UK and oil and gas facilities, demonstrate the tangible benefits of using ALICE.

The platform has delivered millions of dollars in cost savings, optimized resource management, and streamlined project timelines. These success stories underscore the value that ALICE Technologies brings to the construction industry.

Looking ahead, Alice Technologies is focused on further enhancing its platform by making construction management more intelligent during the project. This includes freezing schedules, rescheduling tasks, and incorporating 2D modeling to complement the existing 1D system. The goal is to continue evolving the platform to meet the changing needs of the construction industry and provide even more value to clients.

To learn more about ALICE, visit alicetechnologies.com.

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In this episode of the AEC Business podcast, I had the pleasure of speaking with Mark Ehrlich, a veteran of the construction industry from the USA and the author of "The Way We Build: Restoring Dignity to Construction Work." Our conversation delved into the evolving landscape of construction work and the challenges faced by construction workers today.

Mark shared his extensive background, starting as a carpenter and rising through the ranks to become the head of a 25,000-member union organization. His experience spans decades, and he has authored three books and numerous articles on labor issues.

The historical labor shifts

We discussed the historical shift from a predominantly unionized construction workforce to the current bifurcated system in the US, where union strongholds in the north contrast sharply with the non-union, lower-wage environments in the south and other regions. Mark highlighted the issues of wage theft, declining safety standards, and the exploitation of undocumented workers.

The conversation also touched on the universal trends in construction, such as the globalization of the labor force and the challenges of maintaining high standards and benefits for workers in different countries.

Mark emphasized the need to address the misclassification of workers and the underground cash economy that undermines labor standards. He also spoke about the technological advancements in construction, including the rise of off-site prefabrication and digital tools like BIM, which are changing the nature of construction work.

Looking into the future

Despite the challenges, Mark remains optimistic about the industry's potential to provide fulfilling careers. He advocates for bringing the workforce out of the shadows, regulating the industry to ensure fair treatment, and encouraging unions to adapt to the 21st century.

Listeners interested in learning more about Mark's insights can find his book through the University of Illinois Press or Amazon. Mark also welcomes further discussion and can be reached via his email at Harvard Law School: [email protected].

About Mark Erlich

Mark Erlich has been a Wertheim Fellow at the Harvard Law School’s Center for Labor and a Just Economy since retiring as Executive Secretary-Treasurer (EST) of the New England Regional Council of Carpenters. A member of Carpenters Local 40 since 1975, he worked at his craft as an apprentice, journeyman, foreman, and superintendent before winning election as Business Manager of his local in 1992.

Erlich has written and lectured extensively on labor issues. He is the author of two books, With Our Hands: The Story of Carpenters in Massachusetts (1986) and Labor at the Ballot Box (1990), both published by Temple University Press.

A new book, The Way We Build: Restoring Dignity to Construction Work, was published in 2023 by the University of Illinois Press. He has also written dozens of essays, articles, and op-eds on labor history and contemporary union issues in academic publications such as Industrial Labor Relations Review, Harvard Business Review, and Labor History, as well as popular journals and newspapers ranging from the Boston Globe to The Nation.

For more details on this enlightening conversation with Mark Ehrlich, tune in to the full episode and explore the future of construction work and the dignity of the construction worker. You can also ask the chatbot about the podcast.

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In this episode of the AEC Business Podcast, host Aarni Heiskanen interviews Manja Horner, founder and CEO of Boost LD, about learning in the construction sector. Manja shares insights about her digitized training service and discusses her 12-year journey in the learning business.

Manja is a learning experience strategist and trusted advisor to companies who want to transform their business with training and team procedures and processes in a seamless, digital and easy-to-implement system.

She helps clients in the skilled trades + construction create inspiring, enriching, and all-encompassing learning experiences for better employee and team adoption, integration, and education.

Why you need a well-designed onboarding process

The episode delves into the significance of robust onboarding and career pathways in attracting and retaining top performers. Manja emphasizes that these elements provide a competitive advantage for companies.

Manja highlights that a well-designed onboarding process begins even before the new employee arrives at the job site or office and continues for a few months into the job. This process entails providing clear expectations, policies, and access to necessary resources, ideally through mobile devices.

A comprehensive onboarding plan can serve as a recruiting tool, showcasing to potential hires that the company values their growth and development. Manja also underscores the importance of career pathways, which offer intentional opportunities for employees to advance within the organization. By offering training and promotion prospects, companies can demonstrate that there is room for growth and long-term commitment. This approach is particularly appealing to young individuals seeking companies that provide a clear path to advancement.

Intentional skill development speeds up time to productivity

Manja underscores the importance of intentional skill development and highlights that it doesn't have to rely solely on trial and error. She mentions that while it is possible to bring someone along and hope they learn through observation, experimentation, and failure, a more effective approach is to be intentional with skill development. Creating training or learning programs designed with intention can significantly reduce the trial and error period.

Drawing from their background as a music teacher, Manja emphasizes the importance of practice and hands-on experience in skill development.

Simply instructing someone on how to do a job is insufficient for them to become proficient at it. Instead, Manja stresses the need to demonstrate and guide individuals in practicing the skills they need to develop. This approach is likened to learning a musical instrument, where watching a video on how to play is inadequate to become a skilled musician. Instead, one must pick up the instrument and engage in extensive practice.

Connect with Manja

Listeners can connect with Manja Horner through various channels. They can visit the BoostLD.com website to find more information about the company and its services.

Manja is also active on social media platforms such as Instagram and LinkedIn, where listeners can connect with her and stay updated on her work. Additionally, listeners have the option to email Manja directly at [email protected].

Watch the interview on YouTube.

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In this episode of the AEC Business Podcast, Aarni Heiskanen interviews Gonzalo Galindo, President at Cemex Ventures. They discuss startup funding, construction technology, and this year's construction startup competition.

Cemex Ventures, the corporate venture capital arm of Cemex, a global building materials company, actively supports innovative startups in the construction industry. Through their investment and collaboration, Cemex Ventures aims to drive sustainable innovation and address the challenges the construction industry faces.

Supporting Innovative Startups

One area of focus for Cemex Ventures is carbon capture and usage technologies. They have helped companies in this field increase the maturity level of their technologies, from early-stage lab development to pilot programs in industrial environments such as cement plants. 

This support is crucial, as the transition from lab to industrial settings is often where technologies fail. By preventing these failures and enabling companies to become serious players in carbon capture and usage, Cemex Ventures is contributing to reducing carbon emissions and the fight against climate change.

In addition to carbon capture, Cemex Ventures also supports startups in other areas, such as supply chain optimization. For example, they have worked with a last-mile delivery company called PartRunner, helping them expand their operations in Mexico and establish partnerships with major digital retailers like Amazon and MercadoLibre. This collaboration benefits the startup and improves the efficiency and sustainability of the construction supply chain.

Great Track Record

While the failure rate for startups is notoriously high, Cemex Ventures has seen a relatively high success rate. They estimate that 80-90% of their investments are still thriving. This success can be attributed to their strategic approach and a clear path for supporting and scaling technologies. 

By carefully selecting startups and aligning their investments with Cemex's strategic objectives, they increase the chances of success and long-term viability.

Looking To the Future

Looking to the future, Cemex Ventures recognizes the need to innovate and evolve continuously. They understand that an innovation program must constantly reinvent itself to remain relevant. Regular discussions and evaluations are held to ensure they are at the forefront of emerging opportunities and connected to the right strategic issues. 

As Cemex works towards decarbonization and other sustainability goals, Cemex Ventures will continue seeking technologies to help achieve these objectives.

Cemex Ventures also aims to maintain its position as a leader in the construction innovation world. They actively seek partnerships and relationships within the ecosystem, connecting with other corporate venture capital arms, venture capitalists, and startups. By staying connected and being a thought leader in the industry, Cemex Ventures can access transformative technologies that will shape the future of construction.

The Construction Startup Competition

Cemex Ventures promotes innovation and collaboration through its construction startup competition. This annual competition attracts hundreds of entries from startups in the construction technology space. 

The competition provides a platform for startups to showcase their innovations and potentially secure investment and collaboration opportunities with Cemex Ventures. The competition is continuously refined and improved to make it more appealing to startups and ensure its success.

Gonzalo Galindo, Head of Cemex Ventures

With over 30 years of experience in the building materials industry, Gonzalo promotes the construction revolution by working with Contech startups, entrepreneurs, universities, and other entities interested in the industry. His focus is on finding innovative business models for the construction industry and helping propel innovation, sustainability, and digitization in the built sector that leads to more collaboration and less fragmentation. 

Thanks to Gonzalo and his team at Cemex Ventures’ work, he’s been named one of the most relevant investors in the construction ecosystem for four years running.

Find more about Cemex Ventures at www.cemexventures.com.

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In this episode of the AEC Business podcast, host Aarni Heiskanen interviews Dr. Thomas Bock, a renowned expert in construction robotics. With 45 years of experience in the field and multiple books on the topic, Thomas shares his insights and expertise. Tune in to learn more about his professional journey and the advancements in construction robotics.

An unconventional professional journey

Thomas's journey in construction robotics began when he built his own house as a student. The labor-intensive process led him to explore the potential of robotics in construction. He studied civil engineering and architecture simultaneously, gaining a multidisciplinary understanding of the field. His interest in robotics grew when he saw the first welding robot at a Daimler-Benz factory in Stuttgart. This encounter sparked his curiosity and led him to question why robots couldn't be used for assembling walls and buildings.

The Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT) in Chicago was one of Thomas's destinations during his journey. There he studied under professors who had worked on iconic architectural projects. He also learned about Japanese companies like Toyota and Sekisui, which were producing houses using innovative methods. Intrigued by these advancements, Thomas secured a scholarship to study in Japan, where he discovered that the country was ahead of what he had known in the United States.

During his time in Japan, Thomas delved into robotics for both prefabrication and on-site construction. He combined mechanical engineering, computer science, and electrical engineering to develop new kinematics and solutions specific to the construction industry. His unconventional path also included a detour into space technology and becoming a commercial pilot. These experiences provided valuable insights into the use of technologies such as aircraft navigation and sensor systems in construction robotics.

The current state of construction robotics

When discussing the current state of art in construction robotics, Thomas acknowledges the exponential development of technology, including the rise of artificial intelligence (AI). However, he emphasizes the importance of straightforward and robust solutions in the construction industry. Especially in on-site robotics, the harsh environment and unpredictable factors make it necessary to prioritize reliability over complexity.

The integration of construction robotics and digital technology offer numerous benefits: improved efficiency, safety, and precision in construction processes. Robots can perform tasks that were once labor-intensive and time-consuming, reducing the need for manual labor and increasing productivity. The use of robotics also minimizes human error and enhances safety on construction sites.

Furthermore, technology has enabled the use of advanced materials and techniques in construction. 3D printing, for example, allows for the creation of complex and customized building components with greater efficiency. Drones and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) have also become valuable tools in construction, providing aerial surveys, inspections, and monitoring of construction sites.

Affordable housing through prefab and automation

Thomas discusses a process-oriented approach to affordable design in the construction industry. The traditional approach involves the architect designing the product, the civil engineer calculating the structure, and the construction manager attempting to make it work on the construction site. However, this approach often leads to cost overruns, time overruns, and other problems.

A different approach would start with target costing or target financing. This means considering the affordability of the final product from the beginning of the design process. Instead of designing a product and then trying to make it affordable, Dr. Bock suggests starting with the question of what can be done with industrial processes and materials to create an affordable product.

The use of robotics and automation also contribute to the development of ecological and sustainable housing, which is often more expensive to build using traditional methods. Without automation, we can't afford ecological construction.

Emerging robotic business models

In terms of business models, Thomas suggests the emergence of specialized companies that employ individuals skilled in operating construction robots. These companies would offer their services to construction companies, efficiently utilizing robots to complete tasks quickly and intensively. There are specialized facade companies that focus solely on assembling facades. Similarly, specialized robotics companies could be established to handle specific construction tasks, employing a well-trained workforce to efficiently use robots.

The discussion also highlights the importance of changes in education and vocational training. Universities need to adapt their curricula to incorporate the skills required for operating construction robots. Vocational training programs should also be updated to equip workers with the necessary knowledge and skills in robotics. These changes are essential to ensure that the workforce is prepared for the growing role of robotics in the construction industry.

Visit Bock Robotics Revolution at www.rod.de for more information and connect with Thomas on LinkedIn.

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In this episode of the AEC Business Podcast, our expert panel discusses the digital maturity of construction firms and digitalization in general. They reference a recent report revealing somewhat surprising UK construction companies' results. The panel debates the concept of digital maturity and the high percentage of respondents who believe their organizations to be digitally mature.

The discussion is based on a report by a UK software company, which interviewed 175 individuals from various sectors of the construction industry. The report defines digitalization as the transformation of business processes through digital automation.

The panel explores the concept of digital maturity, with 68% of respondents considering their organizations to be very digitally mature. The panel shares their thoughts on this high number and delves into what it means for the industry.

Tune in to gain insights into the digital landscape of AEC firms!

The panelists are:

Aarni Heiskanen, AEC Business, the host 

Cristina Savian, BE-WISE

Enrique Nadales Clavero, Tylko Advisors & BIM Café podcast 

Jaan Saar, the Ministry of Climate of Estonia

You can also watch the interview video recording.

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In this episode of the AEC Business podcast, host Aarni Heiskanen is joined by Nate Fuller, founder and director of Placer Solutions, and Erin Khan, a construction technology consultant. They dive into the topic of augmented and mixed reality in the construction industry. Nate shares his background in construction and the founding of Placer Solutions, while Erin discusses her experience as a construction technology expert. They explore their roles in advancing change in the industry and the importance of incorporating technology into construction processes. Tune in to learn more about the potential of augmented and mixed reality in construction.

The topics

The discussion topics include:

Placer Solutions' technology excellence reports

State of AR and MR in construction

AR use cases that yield the fastest returns

3D coordination challenges

Barriers to adoption in construction

Encouraging industry entry with AR/MR

The new Artificial Intelligence and Construction report

How to get Placer Solution's AR/MR report (includes a discount code)

The report

Placer Solution has published a report titled Augmented Reality and Mixed Reality in Construction. You can buy the report at placersolutions.io. Listen to the podcast episode to get a discount code for your purchase!

About the interviewees

Nate Fuller is a passionate and accomplished construction technology leader with a diverse background in corporate innovation, construction technology, and entrepreneurship. He contributed to engineering design and project management for global construction projects before helping to create Bechtel's Office of Innovation in 2016. He then ventured into entrepreneurship and later founded Placer Solutions, a management consultancy firm in 2021. Nate’s proven track record defining strategy and directing change management in construction has led to successful consulting engagements with North America’s largest construction contractors.

Erin Khan is an established AEC technology leader with over a decade of combined experience in construction operations, data and process analysis, and software implementation.  Founding Erin Khan Consulting in 2023, she currently provides technology and innovation services to both contractors and construction technology startups.

Prior to founding EKC, Erin served as the National Director of Construction Solutions for Suffolk Construction, overseeing national technology and innovation operations. Erin holds a B.S. in Civil Engineering from USC, a certificate in Business Analytics from The Wharton School, and is EIT, LEED AP BD+C, and OSHA-10 certified. 

How to connect with Nate and Erin

Visit placersolutions.io and connect with Nate and Erin on LinkedIn.

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In this episode of WDBE Talks, Aarni Heiskanen interviews Dr. Pallavi Mohan, a Senior Scientist and Solutions Architect at NVIDIA. They discuss Pallavi's work in the XR and digital twins research space and the potential of digital twins and extended reality technologies for the built environment sector. Pallavi shares her journey into her current position at NVIDIA and how she leverages her expertise in virtual environments to create dynamic virtual experiences.

The topics of the discussion include:

Pallavi’s journey into her current position at NVIDIA

What digital twins are and how they can help us create more sustainable built environments

The tools and technologies Pallavi uses in her work

How the evolution of technology affects how we interact with the built environment

What is the role of data, machine learning, and AI in Pallavi's work, and how she sees them evolving in the future

How property developers, architects, and tech developers can use NVIDIA Omniverse to develop and deploy new solutions

Thoughts about Pallavi’s coming WDBE keynote

You can meet Pallavi at WDBE on September 19-20 and connect with her on LinkedIn.

Get your tickets now!

About Dr. Pallavi Mohan

Dr Pallavi Mohan is a Senior Scientist and Solutions Architect at NVIDIA Germany, where she drives research collaborations with institutions on the Omniverse platform. She has a background in XR and digital twin research.

Since its founding in 1993, NVIDIA (NASDAQ: NVDA) has pioneered accelerated computing. The company’s invention of the GPU in 1999 sparked the growth of the PC gaming market, redefined computer graphics, ignited the era of modern AI, and is fueling the creation of the metaverse. NVIDIA is now a full-stack computing company with data-center-scale offerings reshaping the industry.

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In this episode of the AEC Business podcast, host Aarni Heiskanen interviews Zachi Flatto, CEO and co-founder of Skyline Cockpit. The startup offers a tower crane teleoperation, AI monitoring, and autonomous driving system. Zachi discusses the background of Skyline Cockpit, how they make construction safer and more efficient, and what technologies they use.

A ground-breaking change in crane operation

Zachi Flatto, the CEO and co-founder of Skyline Cockpit, is leading a startup that specializes in providing advanced technology solutions for tower crane operations. The company's main objective is to eliminate the need for crane operators to climb 100 meters every morning and spend long hours operating the crane from such heights. Zachi firmly believes that in 2023, this traditional practice is no longer necessary.

Skyline Cockpit is a spin-off of Skyline, Israel's largest tower crane company, which owns approximately 250 tower cranes and operates hundreds more for major general contractors in the country.

On the ground, but with a better vision

The startup aims to revolutionize the construction industry by incorporating cutting-edge technologies from other domains, such as defense and automotive.

By combining automation, teleoperation, and robotics technologies, Skyline Cockpit's system includes multiple cameras and sensors that provide a panoramic view of the construction site, covering blind spots that operators on higher levels cannot see. Additionally, the company utilizes augmented reality to enhance the operator's experience and improve safety by displaying the crane's radius and other relevant information.

Enhanced productivity and safety

Zachi highlights several benefits of Skyline Cockpit's technology. Firstly, it significantly reduces labor costs by requiring fewer operators for multiple crane jobs. For example, on a five-crane job, three operators would be sufficient. Secondly, the system offers potential savings in terms of time and efficiency and improved safety due to enhanced visibility and monitoring capabilities.

The average age of crane operators globally is nearly 60 years old. Zachi suggests that the lack of young people entering the profession is not due to the salary, as crane operators earn well. Instead, the physically demanding nature of the job is the primary deterrent. Young individuals are not interested in the daily climb, long hours in confined spaces, and challenging work environments.

The speakers explore the possibility of reinventing the profession to make it more appealing to younger generations. Zachi suggests transforming crane operation into a "techie" profession, where individuals familiar with technology, such as video game players, can easily adapt to operating cranes. This approach would create opportunities for younger people to enter a well-paying profession with a stable job market. By doing so, the industry can address the issue of an aging workforce and attract new talent to the field of crane operation.

The business model

Regarding the pricing and business model, Skyline Cockpit plans to collaborate with distributors, including its parent company Skyline, a rental tower crane company. The startup's model is similar to that of a tower crane original equipment manufacturer (OEM), where distributors sell or rent out cranes equipped with Skyline Cockpit's technology.

"Currently, we're building our distribution channel. So if there are in the audience any potential distributors, or tower crane companies, you're more than welcome to connect us. We're doing that specifically here right now in Europe. We're about to start in the Nordics pretty soon," Zachi concludes.

You can best contact Zachi on LinkedIn.

Watch the interview here or listen on your favorite podcast platform.

https://youtu.be/xhTIy_rQO6U

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