Every story that has appeared in the Future Foreman Weekly Dispatch newsletter. Curated weekly for construction technology professionals.
189 stories across all issues
Browse past issues
General contractors have adopted advanced software tools that don't meet the needs of subcontractors, creating a technology gap that leaves trades struggling to keep up. Subcontractors need solutions built specifically for their workflows, not watered-down versions of GC platforms.
Humanoids and mobile manipulators are emerging as the next generation of construction robotics, with major developers actively advancing the technology. A new resource provides an overview of current humanoid developers and insights from industry experts on how these robots will reshape job sites.
Trimble SketchUp Pro now integrates 3D modeling directly with field layout and earthmoving operations for civil contractors. The connection between design and execution reduces coordination gaps and improves accuracy on job sites.
Construction backlogs dropped significantly in July across most regions, signaling potential softening in project demand and future workload. The South is the only region maintaining a larger backlog compared to the same period last year.
Construction input costs jumped 7.1 percent, driven by geopolitical tensions and new tariff policies that are pushing material prices higher across the industry. Contractors should expect continued budget pressures as supply chain disruptions from these factors work through project timelines and procurement cycles.
Celona introduced Orion, a unified wireless platform that combines private 5G, Wi-Fi, cellular, and satellite networks to support physical AI and robotic operations on job sites. The integrated network aims to provide reliable connectivity for autonomous equipment and AI-powered tools in construction environments.
Avatar Robotics secured $6.5 million in seed funding to develop humanoid robots controlled by remote operators for industrial supply chain work. The funding will support scaling the teleoperation technology to address ongoing labor shortages across manufacturing and logistics.
Small businesses that implement worker safety strategies and resources early in their operations can significantly reduce injuries and their associated costs. Research from the Institute for Work and Health reviewed existing studies and interviewed 11 individuals to reach this conclusion.
Washington state's Department of Labor & Industries is developing new rules to clarify operator certification and qualification requirements for using forklifts to lift suspended loads on construction sites. The rulemaking aims to establish clearer standards for this specific and potentially hazardous operation.
Contract negotiations are where contractors establish some of their biggest project risks, often before any work actually begins. Construction attorneys emphasize the importance of developing sound negotiation strategies during this critical phase to protect project interests.
The EPA is accepting public comments on a proposed stormwater permit that will affect construction site runoff management and compliance requirements. Contractors and construction companies should review the permit details and submit feedback during the comment period if their operations are impacted by stormwater regulations.
Change orders in remodeling projects carry emotional and financial weight beyond simple paperwork, as they involve negotiations around cost, timeline, expectations, and client trust. The moment a change order is needed often becomes a critical juncture that can significantly impact project relationships and outcomes.
Jobsite robotics adoption among contractors has more than doubled year-over-year, jumping from 29% in 2025 to over 58% in 2026 according to a new BuiltWorlds report. The rapid increase signals growing acceptance of robotic technology as a tool to address jobsite challenges and improve operational efficiency.
Central Builders used connected construction technology to manage a complex waterfront project and overcome the communication breakdowns that typically plague such jobsites. Integrated data systems eliminated information silos that would have otherwise caused delays and costly miscommunication.
Large-scale solar photovoltaic installations are well-suited for automation due to their repetitive tasks, remote job sites, and harsh working conditions. Automating these installations can improve efficiency and worker safety in challenging environments.
Avnet and Weston Robot have created an AI-powered inspection system designed to autonomously assess complex industrial job sites. The edge AI platform enables real-time visual inspection without requiring workers to access difficult or hazardous areas.
Computer vision and AI image analysis are proving more valuable for construction than large language models, particularly for design review and visual problem-solving. A new design-review platform is leveraging this technology to provide automated visual inspection capabilities that augment human decision-making on job sites.
.png)
AI-powered takeoff software is transforming construction estimating by automating quantity measurements from digital plans, reducing what once took hours down to just minutes. With numerous vendors competing in this space, contractors need guidance on identifying the best tools for their specific needs.