Skip to content
AllAI & MLRoboticsAutonomy3D PrintingElectrificationSafetyWorkforceMaterialsEDITOR'S PICKWEEKLY DISPATCH

Data Center Demand Drives Construction
Construction Executive·Jun 18, 2026

Data Center Demand Drives Construction

Tech companies expanding AI capacity nationwide are driving increased construction demand for data centers, particularly in power generation, utilities, and site preparation work. Contractors are pursuing these opportunities as a major growth sector within the construction industry.

AI & MLElectrification
How AI Preconstruction Tools Help Contractors Bid Faster During Building Season
ConstructConnect·Jun 18, 2026

How AI Preconstruction Tools Help Contractors Bid Faster During Building Season

AI-powered preconstruction tools enable contractors to prepare bids more quickly during peak building season by automating analysis and planning tasks. These tools help firms compete more effectively by reducing the time needed to evaluate projects and submit competitive proposals.

AI & ML
The AI Accountability Gap
Construction Executive·Jun 18, 2026

The AI Accountability Gap

AI adoption is spreading rapidly across construction, but regulatory oversight and accountability measures haven't kept pace with the technology's deployment. Companies need to address this accountability gap to ensure responsible use of AI systems on jobsites and in business operations.

AI & ML
AEC Business·Jun 18, 2026

How AI Will Let Open Source Win in AEC

Open source software in architecture, engineering, and construction can thrive alongside AI rather than be replaced by it, according to the OpenAEC Foundation founder. AI tools will enhance open source AEC platforms by improving their capabilities and making them more competitive in the market.

AI & ML
Happy Birthday, America!
Construction Executive·Jun 18, 2026

Happy Birthday, America!

A construction industry professional reflects on the freedoms and opportunities available in the United States after spending years working internationally. The piece emphasizes the importance of appreciating and not taking for granted the values that make the country exceptional.

Washington state updates Janitorial Workload Calculator
Safety+Health Magazine·Jun 18, 2026

Washington state updates Janitorial Workload Calculator

Washington State has updated its Janitorial Workload Calculator, an online tool that measures job demands and assesses musculoskeletal injury risk for janitorial workers. The updated version now applies to large commercial and office building environments, helping quantify workload in these settings.

WorkforceSafety
AI Hits the Jobsite: The Workforce Training Gap
Construction Executive·Jun 18, 2026

AI Hits the Jobsite: The Workforce Training Gap

Construction workers are willing to adopt AI on jobsites, but a lack of hands-on training is creating a significant gap that could leave the industry behind as adoption picks up. DEWALT's research highlights the urgent need for practical training programs to help the workforce effectively use AI tools.

AI & MLWorkforce
OSHA will continue to target noise hazards in Chicago Region
Safety+Health Magazine·Jun 18, 2026

OSHA will continue to target noise hazards in Chicago Region

OSHA extended its Regional Emphasis Program targeting noise hazards in the Chicago region through the end of the year, after initially planning to expire it on May 31. The agency's review found success in identifying and targeting industries with hearing loss rates exceeding national averages.

Safety
Jobsite Security Risks Rise
Construction Executive·Jun 18, 2026

Jobsite Security Risks Rise

Jobsite break-ins and theft are increasing according to TrueLook's 2026 State of Construction Site Security Report. Construction companies need to reassess their on-site security measures to protect equipment and materials.

Safety
RealSense unveils AI-native D585 Pro depth camera for robots
Robotics Business Review·Jun 18, 2026

RealSense unveils AI-native D585 Pro depth camera for robots

Intel's RealSense has introduced the D585 Pro, a depth camera designed for robotic applications that uses a proprietary Gen 5 chip to improve depth sensing quality by more than double compared to previous models. The AI-native camera is built to enhance robot vision and perception capabilities on job sites and in construction environments.

RoboticsAI & ML
Distribution Center, Served Hot: Le Creuset’s New Location
Construction Executive·Jun 18, 2026

Distribution Center, Served Hot: Le Creuset’s New Location

Frampton Construction delivered Le Creuset's new South Carolina distribution campus in 12 months despite challenging site conditions and a tight timeline. The project succeeded through coordinated planning, creative problem-solving, and strong collaboration between the contractor and client.

Workforce
OSHA updates VPP policy on safety and health management systems
Safety+Health Magazine·Jun 18, 2026

OSHA updates VPP policy on safety and health management systems

OSHA has updated its Voluntary Protection Programs policy to require seven elements of safety and health management systems, effective June 16, expanding from the previous four-element framework established in January 2020. Construction companies participating in VPP must now align their safety programs with these additional management system components.

Workforce
Kinova launches KIMA medical robotic arm
Robotics Business Review·Jun 18, 2026

Kinova launches KIMA medical robotic arm

Kinova has introduced KIMA, a robotic arm specifically engineered for medical applications rather than adapted from industrial designs. The company built KIMA from the ground up to meet clinical requirements and standards.

Robotics
Merit Milestone: ABC’s 2026 Young Professional of the Year Nyoki Mokeba
Construction Executive·Jun 18, 2026

Merit Milestone: ABC’s 2026 Young Professional of the Year Nyoki Mokeba

Nyoki Mokeba has been named ABC's 2026 Young Professional of the Year, recognizing excellence in the construction industry. Mokeba emphasizes that success requires both sacrifice and hard work, serving as an inspiration to emerging construction professionals.

Workforce
Microbot Medical to expand veteran access to robotic surgery with LIBERTY
Robotics Business Review·Jun 18, 2026

Microbot Medical to expand veteran access to robotic surgery with LIBERTY

Microbot Medical partnered with Lovell Government Services, a service-disabled veteran-owned small business, to expand access to robotic surgery systems for federal programs. This partnership aims to make advanced surgical robotics more available to veterans through established government vendor channels.

RoboticsWorkforce
Turn Field Data Into Better Decisions
AGC of America News·Jun 18, 2026

Turn Field Data Into Better Decisions

Field data collection and analysis help construction teams make faster, more informed decisions on job sites. Better data integration reduces waste, improves scheduling, and increases project efficiency.

AI & ML
Richtech Robotics launches livestream for ADAM AI-powered humanoid
Robotics Business Review·Jun 18, 2026

Richtech Robotics launches livestream for ADAM AI-powered humanoid

Richtech Robotics is launching a livestream to showcase ADAM, an AI-powered humanoid service robot built on NVIDIA technology. The platform will allow online users to interact with and observe the robot's capabilities in real time.

RoboticsAI & ML
AGC Education & Research Foundation Announces New Endowment with Monadnock Construction
AGC of America News·Jun 18, 2026

AGC Education & Research Foundation Announces New Endowment with Monadnock Construction

The AGC Education & Research Foundation has established a new endowment in partnership with Monadnock Construction to support construction education and workforce development initiatives. The endowment will fund scholarships, training programs, and research efforts to address labor shortages and build skills in the construction industry.

Workforce
Occupational safety community lacks shared definition of ‘control,’ study finds
Safety+Health Magazine·Jun 17, 2026

Occupational safety community lacks shared definition of ‘control,’ study finds

The occupational safety community lacks a consistent definition of 'control,' which undermines the effectiveness of safety training and communications aimed at preventing serious injuries and fatalities. Researchers from the Construction Safety Research Alliance are calling for the industry to establish a shared understanding of what safety controls actually mean in practice.

Safety
Evaluating humanoids for surface finishing applications
Robotics Business Review·Jun 17, 2026

Evaluating humanoids for surface finishing applications

Manufacturers are evaluating humanoid robots for surface finishing work to reduce cycle times and boost production throughput. These general-purpose industrial robots can operate beyond human physical constraints, making them an attractive option for finishing applications.

RoboticsWorkforce
Enhancing situational awareness: New website offers resources
Safety+Health Magazine·Jun 17, 2026

Enhancing situational awareness: New website offers resources

Michigan OSHA launched a new webpage with resources and a recorded webinar focused on improving situational awareness in the workplace. The Stay Alert For Everyone (SAFE) initiative helps employers and workers recognize changing conditions and identify hazards on job sites.

Workforce
Trunk Tools Launches Cortex AI Platform to Interpret Construction Drawings
ENR Construction Technology·Jun 17, 2026

Trunk Tools Launches Cortex AI Platform to Interpret Construction Drawings

Trunk Tools has released Cortex, an AI platform that reads construction drawings and links them directly to project records. Early users report measurable improvements in their workflow efficiency.

AI & ML
Flight crews should be trained on smoke-in-cockpit emergencies, NTSB tells FAA
Safety+Health Magazine·Jun 17, 2026

Flight crews should be trained on smoke-in-cockpit emergencies, NTSB tells FAA

The National Transportation Safety Board is urging the Federal Aviation Administration to require airline pilots and flight crews to undergo realistic training for cockpit smoke emergencies. The recommendation comes from an NTSB investigation report examining how crews respond to smoke-related incidents in aircraft.

Safety
MSHA cautions miners about ammonia exposure
Safety+Health Magazine·Jun 17, 2026

MSHA cautions miners about ammonia exposure

The Mine Safety and Health Administration warns miners that smell alone is unreliable for detecting ammonia exposure on job sites, despite the gas being colorless and flammable. Miners need proper monitoring equipment and detection methods beyond sensory perception to safely work around ammonia used in chemical processing and other mine operations.

Safety