ENGINEERING TECH,CONSTRUCTION
Openspace | January 24, 2023
OpenSpace, a global leader in reality capture and AI powered analytics, has recently announced platform support for the Insta360 Sphere, an easy-to-install, dual 360° camera that can be mounted to DJI Mavic Air 2 and Air 2S drones. When combined with OpenSpace's technology, drone capture with Sphere is simple and scalable, making 360° capture accessible to a broader corporate audience.
Sphere joins an increasing list of capture technologies supported by OpenSpace's platform, such as 360° cameras, mobile cameras, drone cameras, and LiDAR scanners, empowering users to capture in a manner of their choice.
The Insta360 Sphere integration produces a 360° view using two cameras, one upward facing and one downward facing, where the camera is rendered invisible in the capture, allowing drone pilots of varying levels of experience to capture all aspects of a job site without the need for additional flights. In addition, Sphere simplifies installation and flight with an easy locking mechanism and FlowState stabilization to ensure smooth filming.
OpenSpace is currently beta testing captures with the Insta360 Sphere in order to optimize calibrations, capture processing, image quality, battery life, ease of installation, elevated captures, and angle selection. Customers will be able to get Sphere support later this quarter.
OpenSpace Capture allows users to attach cameras to their hard hats, drones, robot, or other apparatus and walk around the site as they usually would. Once the video is sent to the cloud, OpenSpace's computer vision technology stitches images together and pins them to the floor plan regardless of where the camera is mounted, thus establishing a reliable visual record of the site state. Powered by the company's Vision Engine, the site image map is ready to view about 15 minutes after it has been uploaded.
About OpenSpace
OpenSpace, founded in 2017, is an AI technology firm on a mission to bring new levels of transparency and efficiency to the construction and real estate industries. It uses cutting-edge technology to empower teams to capture, evaluate, and complete their job efficiently. OpenSpace integrates common off-the-shelf 360° cameras, computer vision, and artificial intelligence, thereby making it simple to capture a complete visual record of a project site, share it over the cloud, and track progress remotely. The platform serves as a single source of information, increasing coordination, driving accountability, and simplifying conflict resolution.
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ROBOTICS AND AUTOMATION, ENGINEERING TECH
Hilti | January 27, 2023
On January 26, 2023, Hilti North America, a provider of innovative tools, software, technology, and services for the commercial construction industry, introduced the PLT 400, a digital layout tool created to help increase the productivity of jobsite layout crews.
Single-operator tools like the PLT 400 are vital due to continued labor shortages and jobsite restrictions. This tool improves accuracy and layout speed, features advanced prism tracking and auto-calibration, and requires minimal training. Improved technology, faster layout, and fewer labor hours contribute to a cost-saving and productivity-boosting solution for jobsites.
The PLT 400 can lay out digital BIM (Building Information Modeling) designed plans without the time-consuming step of creating points on the plans first. It can also help keep your BIM model up to date during the construction process, contributing to an optimized end-to-end workflow. The company's digital construction software is also compatible with AutoCAD, Revit, and other specialized layout platforms.
The layout tool works in tandem with Hilti's entire solutions ecosystem, including ON!Track and the Fleet program. Aside from access to high-performance tools and cutting-edge technology, Fleet customers also receive free verification of tool accuracy, complying with manufacturer specifications and theft coverage to reduce unexpected expenses and financial risk. In addition, the PLT 400 comes with an industry-leading Tool Warranty and is available in the United States and Canada.
Michael Haugtvedt, Product Manager at Hilti North America, shared, "We took customer feedback on our previous total stations and addressed those pain points with the launch of the PLT 400." He added, "This camera-based tool has enhanced prism tracking and upgraded communications making sure you stay connected and increase layout productivity on the jobsite, while a built-in calibration module helps ensure your layout is within spec every time you turn the tool on."
(Source – PR Newswire)
About Hilti North America
Based in Plano, Texas, Hilti provides technology to make construction more efficient, sustainable, and safer. The company's products, systems, and services provide construction professionals with innovative solutions with exceptional added value. Its product line includes cordless tools, grinders, drills, saws, fasteners, anchors, and design/layout software and services. With more than 3,800 team members in North America, Hilti is committed to providing exceptional customer service and engagement.
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PERSPECTIVES,ENGINEERING TECH,CONSTRUCTION
Procore | January 25, 2023
Leading steel fabricator and construction contractor, BZI Steel, will use Procore Technologies’ construction management platform for its construction projects, the company announced yesterday.
BZI Steel is revolutionizing the steel industry by offering one-of-a-kind steel fabrication and erection, with wall system processes and technology to construct projects for some of leading industrial, distribution and retail clients.
BZI Steel and Procure have been collaborating since last year, and this development extends the mutual goal of innovating the construction industry. Procore’s industry-leading, all-in-one construction management platform aims to impact and optimize construction outcomes, while minimizing risks and protecting profits. BZI’s integration with Procore’s platform creates a perfect synergy as it assists owners, specialty contractors and general contractors at every stage of the project from start to end, ensuring jobsite safety, while increasing the overall efficiency.
James Barlow, CEO of BZI Steel, said, "BZI Steel and Procore are construction technology industry vanguards, and our relationship goes much further than just being a customer. Our team has closely collaborated with Procore over the last year to quickly adopt their latest construction management software and provide product feedback to their team, which was warmly welcomed."
(Source – Business Wire)
Will Lehrmann, Head of Product for Specialty Contractors at Procore, said, "At Procore and BZI, our cultures and commitment to customers are very much aligned. Both our teams are committed to improving the lives of everybody in the construction trades through technology and innovation." He further added, "This partnership demonstrates our investment in the specialty contractor market, and we are excited to continue collaborating in years to come."
(Source – Business Wire)
About Procore Technologies, Inc.
Procore Technologies, Inc., is a cloud-based construction management solution provider. . The company’s project management tools help its users, owners, general contractors, and specialty contractors manage construction projects at every stage. It’s platform reduces the complex paper-based documentation process, email communication, and spreadsheets for construction projects by mobilizing and streamlining the process with a powerful collaborative solution. In addition, it provides real-time data management, reducing delays and risks to increase business profits. It also provides tools to measure the project's progress, reach unlimited clients, customize data, and build applications with its developer toolkit.
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