Backlog Holds Strong
Construction backlog declined slightly in June, though the overall market remains solid. Contractor confidence in future sales and ability to staff projects continued to strengthen during the period.
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EXL acquires physical AI model developer iMerit
EXL has acquired iMerit, a developer of physical AI models used to train autonomous systems and robots. The combined company will offer construction and other industries improved tools for developing reliable AI-powered equipment and automation.
The Specification Data That Should Drive Your 2027 Plan
ConstructConnect® Analytics' Specification Positioning dashboard gives building product manufacturers visibility into where their products are being specified, which architects are driving specs, and how competitors are performing. Specification share serves as a leading indicator that manufacturers should use to inform their 2027 strategic planning.
EPA finalizes compliance deadline extensions on use of two cancer-linked chemicals
The EPA has extended compliance deadlines for rules restricting perchloroethylene (PCE) and carbon tetrachloride, two chemicals linked to cancer and other health risks. Construction firms using these substances in cleaning and degreasing applications will have additional time to transition to compliant alternatives.
Safety Gets Smarter: Predictive Construction Safety Programs Gain Momentum
Despite ongoing efforts, jobsite fatalities remain unacceptably high across the construction industry. Predictive AI tools are emerging as a way to improve safety culture by empowering workers to make better decisions rather than replacing them entirely.
Hawaii drops state certification requirement for crane operators
Hawaii has eliminated its state certification requirement for crane operators, effective September 1, after Governor Josh Green signed H.B. 2324 into law on July 1. The legislation directed the Hawaii Occupational Safety and Health Division to repeal the Hoisting Machine Operators Advisory Board and its statutory authority.
How Locus is getting a grasp on one of robotics biggest challenges: manipulation
Locus Robotics acquired Nexera Robotics to strengthen its soft picking technology and improve robotic manipulation capabilities. The acquisition addresses a critical challenge in warehouse and construction robotics: reliably grasping and handling diverse materials and objects.
OSHA’s Birmingham Region renewing series of emphasis programs
OSHA's Birmingham region is extending five Regional Emphasis Programs for five years starting October 1, including focus areas on landscaping, horticultural services, noise hazards, and powered industrial equipment. These renewed programs will increase regulatory attention and enforcement activities in these specific safety areas for construction and related industries.
Bid Pipeline Health: 5 Metrics for Commercial GCs in 2026
General contractors need to track five key metrics in 2026 to assess the health of their bid pipeline and stay competitive. Monitoring these metrics helps GCs make smarter decisions about resource allocation and project selection.
Why Electronic Leak Detection Is Becoming a Must-Have in Commercial Construction
Water intrusion is the leading cause of construction disputes, making electronic leak detection increasingly critical for commercial projects. Early detection technology helps contractors identify and resolve moisture problems before they escalate into costly litigation and building damage.
JLC’s Latest Product Round Up
Journal of Light Construction compiled their latest product roundup featuring new tools and materials for construction professionals. The collection highlights innovations across equipment, safety gear, and building materials currently available in the market.
Teradyne Robotics ramps up fight against cobot copycats
Teradyne Robotics filed a patent infringement lawsuit against Chinese cobot manufacturer JAKA, representing the company's second legal action against a Chinese competitor in 2026. The aggressive litigation strategy reflects Teradyne's effort to protect its intellectual property in the competitive collaborative robot market.
Louvered Exhaust Vents
PlyGem has redesigned its 4-inch and 6-inch Exvent louvered exhaust vents with a two-piece snap-on design and integrated trim rings for faster installation. The simplified design eliminates the need for multiple part assembly and complex siding cuts.
Taste the Music: Coca-Cola Amphitheater in Alabama
Coca-Cola Amphitheater, a new state-of-the-art venue, has opened in Vestavia Hills, Alabama. The project represents a significant entertainment infrastructure development in the region.
Bluetooth Ventilation Fan
Panasonic's WhisperFit DC fan integrates Bluetooth speakers and LED dimmable lighting while maintaining Energy Star certification and a quiet 0.4 sone rating. The fan uses cost-saving DC motor technology to reduce energy consumption in bathroom ventilation applications.
NSF to invest $90M into three new technology centers, including one focused on robotics
The National Science Foundation is committing $90 million to fund three new technology centers, with one dedicated to robotics research at the University of Texas at Austin. The Center for Human and Robot Co-Adaptation will focus on developing robots that can work alongside human workers in practical applications.
Non-Combustible Steel Railing
Fulton Rail from TimberTech offers steel deck railings with a minimalist design that provides a sleek alternative to traditional wood railings. The squared balusters and clean lines create a polished, professional appearance while maintaining a non-combustible construction.
Construction Futures: August 2026 Economic Roundup
Construction industry growth remained weak in August 2026, with only modest gains in nonresidential spending despite continued job additions. Data center projects drove most of the sector's momentum, indicating concentration in a single category rather than broad-based strength.
Fast-Installing Collated Fastener
Grip-Rite SpeedSpikes are 4½-inch collated fasteners designed to install high R-value insulated exterior sheathing in a single pass, penetrating through sheathing and rigid foam while achieving full 2-inch stud embedment. The fasteners significantly reduce installation time compared to traditional fastening methods.
Living in a Material World
Construction has transformed from ancient manual methods like stone and wooden levers to modern technological solutions including autonomous vehicles and remote monitoring systems. Advanced materials like self-sensing concrete represent how the industry continues to evolve toward smarter, more efficient building practices.
Efficient Heat and Moisture Vent
GAF's Master Flow Bath & Dryer Rooftop Appliance Vent exhausts heat and moisture from bathroom fans, kitchen exhaust, dryers, and other household appliances. The vent is designed to withstand severe weather, passing 110 mile-per-hour wind-driven rain testing for reliable year-round operation.
Carbon Robotics partners with iMerit to power instant in-field AI customization
Carbon Robotics launched a plant foundation AI model and tractor kit that allows farmers to customize laser weeding systems directly in the field. The company partnered with iMerit to enable instant AI customization without requiring manual reprogramming or off-site adjustments.
Smarter surveys at scale
Mott MacDonald Bentley helped Yorkshire Water gain rapid visibility across thousands of storm overflow assets by reconfiguring existing digital tools rather than building new systems. The approach provided compliance confidence through smarter field data collection and management at scale.
The 5% Problem: What Separates Winning Bidders From Everyone Else
Winning construction bids often comes down to factors beyond just having a lower price or bigger budget. Contractors who understand what separates successful proposals from near-misses can improve their competitiveness by focusing on the right differentiators.