Chris Elston from YRG Robotics explains how to integrate PLCs with robotic systems and discusses Yamaha Robotics' automation solutions for construction and manufacturing. AI is playing an increasing role in making automation more accessible and driving innovation across the industry.
LaGuardia Airport's Runway 4-22 remains closed due to a sinkhole in the runway area, with repairs underway and the runway expected to reopen on the morning of May 23. The closure continues to cause flight delays as repair work progresses.
Brian Gerkey from Open Robotics will keynote the Robotics Summit to discuss how open-source foundations are enabling the next generation of AI-powered robots. The presentation highlights the role of collaborative development in advancing robotics technology for practical applications.
Georgia is constructing a $10M timber gridshell in Doraville, the first of its scale in North America, designed as a saddle-shaped structure for the 2026 World Cup viewing venue. After the World Cup, the structure will convert into a permanent performance space, demonstrating innovative timber construction at a significant scale.
Sage Oil Vac released a new enclosed lube truck weighing 24,684 pounds that doesn't require a commercial driver's license, making it accessible to more operators. The truck features expanded storage for dry goods and fluids plus dual onboard diesel heaters to support year-round service work.
DC Water's CEO defended pre-spill maintenance practices and outlined steps like improved easement access and better regulatory coordination to prevent future failures. Stakeholders remain concerned about the lack of a definitive cause analysis and concrete prevention strategy moving forward.
Volvo has upgraded its L120 electric wheel loader, North America's largest battery-powered loader at 22 metric tons, with enhanced regenerative braking and improved traction capabilities. The upgraded model demonstrates reliable performance in harsh cold weather conditions, making it a viable option for year-round construction operations.
The Chicago Bears have ruled out building a domed stadium within Chicago city limits and are evaluating suburban Chicago or Northwest Indiana locations instead. The team expects to make a final site selection by late spring or early summer.
Turner Construction maintains its position as the nation's top commercial contractor for another year on Engineering News-Record's Top 400 list. Mortenson made significant gains, jumping 12 spots to enter the top 10 rankings.
The EPA is keeping strict limits on the most common PFAS chemicals in drinking water but rolling back standards for four other types, including GenX. Construction firms using these chemicals in materials or dealing with contaminated sites should monitor regulatory changes that could affect compliance costs and project timelines.
Construction starts jumped in April with groundbreakings expanding across multiple project types beyond just data centers and energy megaprojects. The broader activity suggests renewed momentum across the construction sector according to Dodge Construction Network data.
Black & Veatch is constructing a $500 million global headquarters in Overland Park, Kansas as the anchor of a broader $1.34 billion mixed-use development. The project will be built out over 10 years and will include office, residential, and commercial components around the new corporate facility.
Halmar and Skanska, operating as Penn Transportation Partners, have been named master developer for the $8 billion New York Penn Station renovation project. The partnership was selected by the DOT and Amtrak to oversee the comprehensive modernization effort.
A 1984 cover featured the world's first full-scale tension leg platform, marking a significant engineering milestone in offshore construction technology. Tension leg platforms use moored, vertically-tensioned legs to stabilize floating structures in deep water, enabling new possibilities for marine-based construction and operations.
The European Space Agency is funding a €1.65 million project to develop protective Smart Skin technology for robotic arms used in space exploration. A pan-European consortium led by Denmark's Technological Institute will create this covering to shield cobots operating in the harsh space environment.
The Army Corps of Engineers terminated Shimmick's contract for the lock chamber work on the Chickamauga Dam project, valued at $309 million. Shimmick is contesting the reasons cited for the termination.
GE Vernova is acquiring Robotech Automation to strengthen its robotics capabilities in supply chain operations. The acquisition builds on their existing partnership and expands automation integration across energy sector projects.
Skanska and ABC Companies announce leadership transitions as part of ongoing executive restructuring efforts. A Tutor Perini subsidiary secured a $61.6 million Coast Guard contract, and a 3D printing construction firm is expanding operations into Michigan.
FITASY, a 3D printed custom footwear company, now allows customers to order single shoes at half the pair price, addressing needs of prosthetic users and others requiring one shoe. The platform update expands accessibility options for workers with different footwear requirements.
The 2026 construction market will be neither strong nor weak, instead favoring companies that execute well operationally. Success will depend on disciplined management practices rather than market tailwinds.
The 2nd Armored Cavalry Regiment used 3D printing technology to improve equipment readiness and logistics during FlyTrap 5.0, a multinational military exercise in Lithuania involving nearly 1,000 troops. The exercise tested counter-drone systems, electronic warfare, and unmanned ground vehicles under live combat conditions, demonstrating how additive manufacturing enhances operational capability and equipment availability.
UltiMaker introduced the Factor 4 Plus, an industrial 3D printing system designed for high-volume manufacturing and defense applications that delivers roughly twice the output speed of the standard Factor 4. The new platform targets continuous production workflows where construction and industrial manufacturers need faster, reliable additive manufacturing capabilities.
Snapmaker hired Radu Ratdoux, developer of the Full Spectrum color-mixing slicer, to lead a new multicolor 3D printing software initiative announced in May 2026. The move positions the desktop 3D printer manufacturer to advance multicolor additive manufacturing capabilities for construction and manufacturing applications.
The Additive Manufacturing Cooperative Research Centre has greenlit five industry-led research projects backed by $11 million in combined funding to advance 3D printing technology across Australia. The approved CORE projects focus on expanding additive manufacturing capabilities and applications within the construction and related industries.