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SoftBank agrees to acquire Robotics and AI Institute
Robotics Business Review·Sep 18, 2026

SoftBank agrees to acquire Robotics and AI Institute

SoftBank is acquiring the Robotics and AI Institute in a deal that has been under discussion for months and is now awaiting approval from the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States. The acquisition signals continued investment in robotics and artificial intelligence technologies that could impact construction operations and automation.

AI & MLRobotics
How Small Businesses in the Construction Sector Are Navigating Economic Challenges and Growth in 2026
Construction Executive·Sep 18, 2026

How Small Businesses in the Construction Sector Are Navigating Economic Challenges and Growth in 2026

Small construction businesses continue to assess how geopolitical tensions in Eastern Europe affect their operations and bottom line. Economic uncertainty remains a key factor shaping business decisions and growth strategies heading into 2026.

Workforce
F-Prime Capital to give insights on the state of robotics investments at RoboBusiness
Robotics Business Review·Sep 18, 2026

F-Prime Capital to give insights on the state of robotics investments at RoboBusiness

F-Prime Capital partners Sanjay Aggarwal and Betsy Mulé will present their State of Robotics Investments report at the RoboBusiness conference. The report will provide analysis on current investment trends and opportunities in the robotics sector.

Robotics
MOD, Alloyed take new turbojet engine from concept to flight in under seven months
3D Printing Industry·Sep 18, 2026

MOD, Alloyed take new turbojet engine from concept to flight in under seven months

The UK Ministry of Defence and manufacturing startup Alloyed developed a new turbojet engine from concept to flight testing in under seven months through a co-development partnership. The accelerated timeline demonstrates rapid prototyping and manufacturing capabilities for building scalable defense propulsion systems domestically.

3D PrintingMaterials
Neptune Medical earns FDA clearance for its Triton 1 robotic system
Robotics Business Review·Sep 18, 2026

Neptune Medical earns FDA clearance for its Triton 1 robotic system

Neptune Medical received FDA clearance for its Triton 1 robotic system, which automates endoscopic procedures for colonoscopy screening and diagnostics. The robotic platform is designed to enhance procedural capabilities and consistency across medical professionals.

RoboticsAutonomy
WEEKLY DISPATCH
Construction Employment Increases In August From A Year Ago In 35 States And D.C.
AGC of America News·Sep 18, 2026

Construction Employment Increases In August From A Year Ago In 35 States And D.C.

Construction employment grew year-over-year in 35 states plus Washington D.C. in August, indicating broad-based strength across regional job markets. The widespread gains suggest sustained demand for construction workers despite economic headwinds.

Workforce
Icarus Robotics flies ISS-bound robot in microgravity for the first time
Robotics Business Review·Sep 18, 2026

Icarus Robotics flies ISS-bound robot in microgravity for the first time

Icarus Robotics successfully tested JOY, a robot designed for the International Space Station, in microgravity conditions for the first time. The company plans to deploy JOY to the ISS in early 2027 following this final major validation of the system.

RoboticsAutonomy
A NEW Chapter Begins This Winter
AGC of America News·Sep 18, 2026

A NEW Chapter Begins This Winter

A new chapter begins this winter, though the specific details of what's launching aren't provided in the headline. Without additional context about the announcement, its impact on construction technology remains unclear.

JLC Online·Sep 17, 2026

Trends Defining Today’s Kitchen Design

A Minneapolis architect challenged homeowners' assumption that they needed a larger kitchen island, prompting them to reconsider their actual spatial requirements. The anecdote illustrates how thoughtful design questioning can lead to smarter kitchen layouts rather than simply adding more square footage.

How to Evaluate a Construction Data Platform: A Practical Guide
ConstructConnect·Sep 17, 2026

How to Evaluate a Construction Data Platform: A Practical Guide

When choosing a construction data platform, prioritize accuracy, usability, analytics capabilities, and how well it fits your workflow. Live pilot testing can demonstrate real improvements in research speed, bidding decisions, and revenue growth before full implementation.

Decked Truck Tool Box
JLC Online·Sep 17, 2026

Decked Truck Tool Box

Decked has released a new tool box model that functions as a crossover or saddle box design for truck beds. The product represents an evolution in truck storage solutions that builders have relied on for equipment organization and site efficiency.

ATRI survey asks truckers: What are your top concerns?
Safety+Health Magazine·Sep 17, 2026

ATRI survey asks truckers: What are your top concerns?

The American Transportation Research Institute is conducting its annual survey to identify the trucking industry's most pressing concerns, asking respondents to rank their top three issues from 27 options. The survey results will help industry leaders understand critical challenges affecting trucking operations and workforce management.

Workforce
Designing long-travel axes: When rack and pinion outperforms ball screws and linear motors
Robotics Business Review·Sep 17, 2026

Designing long-travel axes: When rack and pinion outperforms ball screws and linear motors

Rack-and-pinion systems can outperform ball screws and linear motors for long-distance motion applications, delivering better speed, precision, and cost efficiency. Engineers should evaluate this technology when standard linear motion solutions fall short of project requirements.

Robotics
Report calls for FAA action on flight crew radiation exposure
Safety+Health Magazine·Sep 17, 2026

Report calls for FAA action on flight crew radiation exposure

The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine released a report identifying cosmic radiation exposure as a workplace hazard that requires immediate FAA attention for commercial flight crews. Construction professionals who travel frequently for work should be aware that crews operating at high altitudes face radiation exposure levels comparable to certain occupational safety concerns.

Safety
Robotics investments reach $4.9B in August 2026
Robotics Business Review·Sep 17, 2026

Robotics investments reach $4.9B in August 2026

Robotics investments hit $4.9 billion in August 2026, with 162 funding rounds tracked across various technology sectors and geographic markets. The report breaks down investment activity by technology type, country, and funding stage to show where capital is flowing in the robotics space.

Robotics
WEEKLY DISPATCH
Preventing workplace harassment and violence in construction: new guide
Safety+Health Magazine·Sep 17, 2026

Preventing workplace harassment and violence in construction: new guide

CPWR has released a new guide to help construction employers prevent workplace harassment and violence by recognizing worker warning signs and implementing preventive plans. The guide draws on occupational fatality data to provide practical strategies for creating safer jobsites.

Workforce
WEEKLY DISPATCH
Autodesk Connects Civil3D to Forma, Creates Unified Coordinate System
ENR Construction Technology·Sep 17, 2026

Autodesk Connects Civil3D to Forma, Creates Unified Coordinate System

Autodesk has integrated Civil3D with its Forma platform, making it the second connected client application and enabling a unified coordinate system for civil engineering design. The expansion provides civil engineers with improved geopositioning capabilities and better tool connectivity across Autodesk's design ecosystem.

How to Find and Bid on Public Construction Projects in 2027
ConstructConnect·Sep 17, 2026

How to Find and Bid on Public Construction Projects in 2027

To bid on government construction projects, contractors must register as eligible vendors on SAM.gov for federal work or state/local portals, then submit compliant bids through formal processes like invitations for bid (IFB) or requests for proposal (RFP). Proper registration and bid submission are essential first steps for any construction firm seeking public project work.

Workforce
Arm Total Design for Physical AI brings more than 80 developers together
Robotics Business Review·Sep 17, 2026

Arm Total Design for Physical AI brings more than 80 developers together

Arm has launched a new Total Design for Physical AI program that brings together over 80 developers to standardize robotics development. The initiative includes a Robotics Capability Framework designed to create clearer industry standards and better coordination across the robotics sector.

RoboticsAI & ML
AI Extinction Event, is Additive Manufacturing also Doomed?
3D Printing Industry·Sep 17, 2026

AI Extinction Event, is Additive Manufacturing also Doomed?

An upcoming online event called AMA: Software 2026 will examine the digital ecosystem and tools supporting additive manufacturing in construction and manufacturing. The article raises questions about how AI developments might impact additive manufacturing technology and its future viability.

AI & ML3D Printing
WEEKLY DISPATCH
Two-Way Smart Radios for Every Construction Worker on a Jobsite Advances Communication Practices and Productivity
Construction Executive·Sep 17, 2026

Two-Way Smart Radios for Every Construction Worker on a Jobsite Advances Communication Practices and Productivity

Two-way smart radios enable better jobsite communication by giving contractors real-time visibility into project operations they couldn't access before. Adopting a universal communication device strategy across all workers improves coordination and overall productivity on construction sites.

Workforce
Naloxone on the Jobsite: How Being Prepared Can Help Save a Life
AGC of America News·Sep 17, 2026

Naloxone on the Jobsite: How Being Prepared Can Help Save a Life

Construction sites face growing opioid overdose risks, making naloxone availability and worker training essential safety measures. Having naloxone on hand and knowing how to use it can be the difference between life and death in an overdose emergency.

WorkforceSafety
Join AGC in the Sunshine State for the 2027 Surety Bonding and Construction Risk Management Conference
AGC of America News·Sep 17, 2026

Join AGC in the Sunshine State for the 2027 Surety Bonding and Construction Risk Management Conference

The Associated General Contractors (AGC) will host its 2027 Surety Bonding and Construction Risk Management Conference in Florida. The event will bring together construction professionals to discuss bonding strategies and risk management practices relevant to the industry.

WEEKLY DISPATCH
EEOC Renews Focus on “Anti-American” National Origin Discrimination
AGC of America News·Sep 17, 2026

EEOC Renews Focus on “Anti-American” National Origin Discrimination

The EEOC is intensifying enforcement actions against employers who discriminate based on national origin, including those who favor American workers or penalize foreign accents and cultural practices. Construction companies need to ensure hiring, promotion, and workplace policies treat all employees fairly regardless of national origin to avoid legal liability.

Workforce