Autodesk University 2026 will take place September 15-17 in Las Vegas, showcasing the latest construction technology and solutions from integration partners. The expo offers hands-on experience with emerging tools designed to transform how construction businesses operate.
AI technology is increasingly being deployed on construction jobsites, requiring contractors to prepare their workforce for this shift. Companies that prioritize their employees while implementing AI will be better equipped to address ongoing industry challenges.
AI tools are being used to process and clean up poor-quality PDF documents, a common challenge in construction where Bill of Materials and project data are often trapped in hard-to-read formats. Better data extraction from these PDFs can improve project outcomes and material planning accuracy.
Digital twins allow construction and manufacturing companies to test and evaluate robotic automation systems before making expensive capital investments. This simulation approach helps planners assess robot performance and application fit without requiring a systems integrator, reducing risk in automation decisions.
Washington state now prohibits employers with suspended minor work permits from bidding on public works projects. All employers in the state must obtain a minor work permit endorsement on their business license before hiring workers under 18.
Physical AI and robots require human workers to operate effectively on job sites, not autonomous self-running systems. Companies need to track broader performance metrics beyond just throughput to successfully integrate robotics into their workforce.
Construction Suicide Prevention Week will take place September 14-18 to address the growing suicide crisis affecting the construction industry. The week features a national stand-down and moment of silence on September 14 at 2:50 p.m. Eastern.
Advances in AI, satellite navigation, and machine vision are making robotic lawn mowers increasingly viable for widespread American adoption. The technology could potentially reach one in two U.S. lawns as these systems become more reliable and accessible.
The United Mine Workers of America is demanding that MSHA resume enforcement of its respirable crystalline silica exposure limits, citing new NIOSH research showing alarming rates of worker exposure to this hazardous material. The union's push highlights ongoing concerns about protecting miners from serious health risks in underground operations.
R2 Labs has developed a software-defined manufacturing platform that connects programmable logic controllers (PLCs), robots, and artificial intelligence to integrate traditionally disconnected factory systems. This unified approach simplifies how manufacturers manage their equipment and operations on the production floor.
Accurate preconstruction estimates build client confidence, reduce bidding time, and help contractors pursue more profitable work. Consistent estimating accuracy directly impacts a company's ability to win competitive bids and improve project margins.
Amazon's Bhavana Chandrashekhar will speak at RoboBusiness' Women in Robotics Lunch, an event designed to help professionals build new connections and strengthen relationships in the field. The event highlights women leaders and their contributions to the robotics industry.
Architects and specifiers now rely on AI to research building products, making it critical that manufacturers structure product data in machine-readable formats rather than static PDFs. If your product information isn't optimized for AI systems, it won't appear in search results regardless of how good the product actually is.
Schaeffler is developing strain wave gearboxes using a new forming technology designed to enable mass production by 2027. These precision gearboxes are critical components for humanoid robots that could eventually support construction and industrial work.
Sustainability in construction is evolving beyond compliance and certifications to focus on high-impact decisions made earlier in project planning. Teams are shifting their approach to embed sustainable practices throughout the construction process rather than treating them as afterthoughts.
Amazon is scaling its Prime Air drone delivery service to nearly 500 cities by the end of 2026, expanding access to automated package delivery for items under 5 pounds. The expansion represents a significant shift toward autonomous logistics infrastructure that could reshape supply chains and job site delivery workflows.
SYZMIK Sports has launched the X7C+ headband using 3D printed lattice padding technology, claiming a 77% reduction in concussion risk with a 5-star impact rating. The $77 protective headband represents a new application of additive manufacturing in sports safety equipment.
ATDev is developing a power wheelchair equipped with a coordinated robotic arm designed to perform reaching and lifting tasks for users. The advancement combines mobility assistance with robotic capability to enhance independence and functionality for wheelchair users.
Merit shop apprenticeship program enrollment has surged 60% and is now outpacing union programs in growth, according to Department of Labor data. ABC and merit shop contractors are expanding both registered apprenticeships and developing innovative workforce training pathways to address industry talent needs.
Agtonomy has upgraded its off-road autonomous platform with new multi-point turning capabilities, enabling more complex maneuvers on job sites. The update also includes enhanced field data collection tools for better project tracking and analysis.
MIT engineers have developed an improved controller system that makes operating excavators more intuitive and user-friendly. The new design is expected to reduce training time for equipment operators.
Milwaukee held an exclusive one-day event where attendees tested newly released and embargoed products still under development. The manufacturer gathered direct feedback from construction professionals to inform product refinement and future innovation.
Kollmorgen will present technical guidance on humanoid robot motion at RoboBusiness, breaking down the engineering requirements for each joint and body section. The presentation will address the practical challenges of scaling humanoid robots for commercial production in construction and other industries.
The Chemical Safety Board released a final report on a fatal August 2025 explosion at a U.S. Steel coking plant, highlighting the need for facilities to design buildings that protect people and equipment during incidents. The report underscores critical design standards for industrial facility construction to prevent casualties and damage from explosions.