CONSTRUCTION TECHNOLOGY,
CURATED DAILY.
Construction material and fuel costs jumped 11.2% year over year in September, driven by higher fuel expenses and tariffs on key building materials. These price increases are pushing construction expenses to levels not seen in nearly four years.
Plywood costs jumped 11% in the latest quarter while pine-board prices rose more modestly at 3%, according to Gordian data. Contractors should expect steady lumber pricing overall with notable volatility in the plywood market.
Intelligent Compaction (IC) technology collects real-time data during soil compaction work that provides objective proof of quality to inspectors and clients. This data-driven approach builds confidence in construction work integrity and helps contractors establish their reputation for reliable workmanship.
Construction companies should evaluate their workplace culture because hidden cultural problems can create bigger risks than financial issues on balance sheets. A culture audit helps identify liabilities related to employee engagement, safety, retention, and operational effectiveness that impact long-term business performance.
Union wage-and-fringe benefit packages have grown 4.9% through 2026, reflecting ongoing labor cost pressures in the construction industry. This increase affects project budgeting and labor negotiations across union trades and construction firms.
A homeowner restored a deteriorated original screen door on their 1890s bungalow by carefully removing multiple paint layers and repairing loose joints. The project demonstrates careful preservation techniques appropriate for historic home renovation work.
AI adoption in construction is driven by labor shortages, cost pressures, and tight schedules rather than workforce replacement. The technology focuses on building capacity and improving efficiency within existing operational constraints.
Stryker Corporation is investing $400 million in CMR Surgical and will serve as the exclusive U.S. sales agent for the company's Versius robotic surgery system. This partnership brings advanced surgical robotics technology into the medical device market through a major equipment manufacturer's distribution network.
Tadano has released the AC 3.060-2, a compact three-axle all-terrain mobile crane designed for confined job sites in the U.S. market. The crane features a 164-foot main boom with optional extensions reaching up to 52.5 feet for added versatility.
Analog Devices Inc. (ADI) launched an Emerging Tech Hub to help robotics startups navigate the challenges of scaling their operations while keeping pace with rapid technological innovation. The program provides resources and support that robotics companies need to grow their businesses effectively.
California's A.B. 2321 law changes Cal/OSHA investigation thresholds and expands requirements for referrals to prosecution in workplace incidents. Construction companies should expect broader regulatory scrutiny of safety violations and incident reporting.
New research from the Simplar Foundation demonstrates that multiskilled construction workers deliver significant productivity improvements on job sites. These versatile workers represent a practical strategy for addressing the construction industry's persistent labor shortage.
Voter concerns about affordability are becoming central issues in the 2026 midterm elections, influencing congressional races and policy debates. Tax policy and data center regulations are emerging as key focal points as candidates address cost-of-living pressures affecting construction and related industries.
Construction firms are pouring money into AI investments, but many lack the organizational readiness to actually implement and benefit from the technology effectively. The Wipfli 2026 survey reveals a gap between AI spending and genuine preparedness across the industry.
SafeWorld has launched a platform offering testing and simulation software to help construction and other enterprises safely evaluate and deploy robots before real-world use. The technology enables companies to assess robot performance responsibly and reduce risks associated with robotic deployment on job sites.
Intelligent Compaction (IC) technology collects real-time data during soil compaction work that provides objective proof of quality to inspectors and clients. This data-driven approach builds confidence in construction work integrity and helps contractors establish their reputation for reliable workmanship.
AI adoption in construction is driven by labor shortages, cost pressures, and tight schedules rather than workforce replacement. The technology focuses on building capacity and improving efficiency within existing operational constraints.
A ServiceTitan survey of over 1,000 commercial contractors reveals that profitability and AI adoption are top priorities as firms navigate cash flow challenges and rising costs. The report examines how contractors are managing service agreements, cost pressures, and using field information systems amid economic pressures.
Stryker Corporation is investing $400 million in CMR Surgical and will serve as the exclusive U.S. sales agent for the company's Versius robotic surgery system. This partnership brings advanced surgical robotics technology into the medical device market through a major equipment manufacturer's distribution network.
Analog Devices Inc. (ADI) launched an Emerging Tech Hub to help robotics startups navigate the challenges of scaling their operations while keeping pace with rapid technological innovation. The program provides resources and support that robotics companies need to grow their businesses effectively.
Agility Robotics has selected Nyobolt's ultra-fast charging technology to power its Digit 5 humanoid robot, enabling up to 20 hours of daily operation. The partnership advances battery capabilities for autonomous construction robotics.
AMTG, a Florida-based construction 3D printer manufacturer, deployed three of its G2 gantry systems to print walls for the Mella shopping center project. The multi-unit setup demonstrates how construction 3D printing can scale to produce large wall systems on commercial building sites.
ICON has secured $200 million in Series D funding led by Baillie Gifford and BlackRock to scale manufacturing of its Titan 3D printers for construction. The funding will accelerate production of the company's 3D printing technology designed to streamline building processes.
Addressing labor shortages requires balancing recruitment with strategic development of existing employees. Training current staff to expand their skill sets can be a cost-effective way to fill capability gaps in a competitive hiring market.
Construction companies should evaluate their workplace culture because hidden cultural problems can create bigger risks than financial issues on balance sheets. A culture audit helps identify liabilities related to employee engagement, safety, retention, and operational effectiveness that impact long-term business performance.
Union wage-and-fringe benefit packages have grown 4.9% through 2026, reflecting ongoing labor cost pressures in the construction industry. This increase affects project budgeting and labor negotiations across union trades and construction firms.
Construction material and fuel costs jumped 11.2% year over year in September, driven by higher fuel expenses and tariffs on key building materials. These price increases are pushing construction expenses to levels not seen in nearly four years.
Plywood costs jumped 11% in the latest quarter while pine-board prices rose more modestly at 3%, according to Gordian data. Contractors should expect steady lumber pricing overall with notable volatility in the plywood market.
A homeowner restored a deteriorated original screen door on their 1890s bungalow by carefully removing multiple paint layers and repairing loose joints. The project demonstrates careful preservation techniques appropriate for historic home renovation work.
