AEC Business

In this episode of the AEC Business Podcast, host Aarni Heiskanen interviews Manja Horner, founder and CEO of Boost LD, about learning in the construction sector. Manja shares insights about her digitized training service and discusses her 12-year journey in the learning business. Manja is a learning experience strategist and trusted advisor to companies who want to transform their business with training and team procedures and processes in a seamless, digital and easy-to-implement system. She helps clients in the skilled trades + construction create inspiring, enriching, and all-encompassing learning experiences for better employee and team adoption, integration, and education. Why you need a well-designed onboarding process The episode delves into the significance of robust onboarding and career pathways in attracting and retaining top performers. Manja emphasizes that these elements provide a competitive advantage for companies. Manja highlights that a well-designed onboarding process begins even before the new employee arrives at the job site or office and continues for a few months into the job. This process entails providing clear expectations, policies, and access to necessary resources, ideally through mobile devices. A comprehensive onboarding plan can serve as a recruiting tool, showcasing to potential hires that the company values their growth and development. Manja also underscores the importance of career pathways, which offer intentional opportunities for employees to advance within the organization. By offering training and promotion prospects, companies can demonstrate that there is room for growth and long-term commitment. This approach is particularly appealing to young individuals seeking companies that provide a clear path to advancement. Intentional skill development speeds up time to productivity Manja underscores the importance of intentional skill development and highlights that it doesn’t have to rely solely on trial and error. She mentions that while it is possible to bring someone along and hope they learn through observation, experimentation, and failure, a more effective approach is to be intentional with skill development. Creating training or learning programs designed with intention can significantly reduce the trial and error period. Drawing from their background as a music teacher, Manja emphasizes the importance of practice and hands-on experience in skill development. Simply instructing someone on how to do a job is insufficient for them to become proficient at it. Instead, Manja stresses the need to demonstrate and guide individuals in practicing the skills they need to develop. This approach is likened to learning a musical instrument, where watching a video on how to play is inadequate to become a skilled musician. Instead, one must pick up the instrument and engage in extensive practice. Connect with Manja Listeners can connect with Manja Horner through various channels. They can visit the BoostLD.com website to find more information about the company and its services. Manja is also active on social media platforms such as Instagram and LinkedIn, where listeners can connect with her and stay updated on her work. Additionally, listeners have the option to email Manja directly at manjahorner@boostld.com.

In this episode of the AEC Business Podcast, Aarni Heiskanen interviews Gonzalo Galindo, President at Cemex Ventures. They discuss startup funding, construction technology, and this year’s construction startup competition. Cemex Ventures, the corporate venture capital arm of Cemex, a global building materials company, actively supports innovative startups in the construction industry. Through their investment and collaboration, Cemex Ventures aims to drive sustainable innovation and address the challenges the construction industry faces. Supporting Innovative Startups One area of focus for Cemex Ventures is carbon capture and usage technologies. They have helped companies in this field increase the maturity level of their technologies, from early-stage lab development to pilot programs in industrial environments such as cement plants.  This support is crucial, as the transition from lab to industrial settings is often where technologies fail. By preventing these failures and enabling companies to become serious players in carbon capture and usage, Cemex Ventures is contributing to reducing carbon emissions and the fight against climate change. In addition to carbon capture, Cemex Ventures also supports startups in other areas, such as supply chain optimization. For example, they have worked with a last-mile delivery company called PartRunner, helping them expand their operations in Mexico and establish partnerships with major digital retailers like Amazon and MercadoLibre. This collaboration benefits the startup and improves the efficiency and sustainability of the construction supply chain. Great Track Record While the failure rate for startups is notoriously high, Cemex Ventures has seen a relatively high success rate. They estimate that 80-90% of their investments are still thriving. This success can be attributed to their strategic approach and a clear path for supporting and scaling technologies.  By carefully selecting startups and aligning their investments with Cemex’s strategic objectives, they increase the chances of success and long-term viability. Looking To the Future Looking to the future, Cemex Ventures recognizes the need to innovate and evolve continuously. They understand that an innovation program must constantly reinvent itself to remain relevant. Regular discussions and evaluations are held to ensure they are at the forefront of emerging opportunities and connected to the right strategic issues.  As Cemex works towards decarbonization and other sustainability goals, Cemex Ventures will continue seeking technologies to help achieve these objectives. Cemex Ventures also aims to maintain its position as a leader in the construction innovation world. They actively seek partnerships and relationships within the ecosystem, connecting with other corporate venture capital arms, venture capitalists, and startups. By staying connected and being a thought leader in the industry, Cemex Ventures can access transformative technologies that will shape the future of construction. The Construction Startup Competition Cemex Ventures promotes innovation and collaboration through its construction startup competition. This annual competition attracts hundreds of entries from startups in the construction technology space.  The competition provides a platform for startups to showcase their innovations and potentially secure investment and collaboration opportunities with Cemex Ventures. The competition is continuously refined and improved to make it more appealing to ...

In this episode of the AEC Business podcast, host Aarni Heiskanen interviews Dr. Thomas Bock, a renowned expert in construction robotics. With 45 years of experience in the field and multiple books on the topic, Thomas shares his insights and expertise. Tune in to learn more about his professional journey and the advancements in construction robotics. An unconventional professional journey Thomas’s journey in construction robotics began when he built his own house as a student. The labor-intensive process led him to explore the potential of robotics in construction. He studied civil engineering and architecture simultaneously, gaining a multidisciplinary understanding of the field. His interest in robotics grew when he saw the first welding robot at a Daimler-Benz factory in Stuttgart. This encounter sparked his curiosity and led him to question why robots couldn’t be used for assembling walls and buildings. The Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT) in Chicago was one of Thomas’s destinations during his journey. There he studied under professors who had worked on iconic architectural projects. He also learned about Japanese companies like Toyota and Sekisui, which were producing houses using innovative methods. Intrigued by these advancements, Thomas secured a scholarship to study in Japan, where he discovered that the country was ahead of what he had known in the United States. During his time in Japan, Thomas delved into robotics for both prefabrication and on-site construction. He combined mechanical engineering, computer science, and electrical engineering to develop new kinematics and solutions specific to the construction industry. His unconventional path also included a detour into space technology and becoming a commercial pilot. These experiences provided valuable insights into the use of technologies such as aircraft navigation and sensor systems in construction robotics. The current state of construction robotics When discussing the current state of art in construction robotics, Thomas acknowledges the exponential development of technology, including the rise of artificial intelligence (AI). However, he emphasizes the importance of straightforward and robust solutions in the construction industry. Especially in on-site robotics, the harsh environment and unpredictable factors make it necessary to prioritize reliability over complexity. The integration of construction robotics and digital technology offer numerous benefits: improved efficiency, safety, and precision in construction processes. Robots can perform tasks that were once labor-intensive and time-consuming, reducing the need for manual labor and increasing productivity. The use of robotics also minimizes human error and enhances safety on construction sites. Furthermore, technology has enabled the use of advanced materials and techniques in construction. 3D printing, for example, allows for the creation of complex and customized building components with greater efficiency. Drones and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) have also become valuable tools in construction, providing aerial surveys, inspections, and monitoring of construction sites. Affordable housing through prefab and automation Thomas discusses a process-oriented approach to affordable design in the construction industry. The traditional approach involves the architect designing the product, the civil engineer calculating the structure, and the construction manager attempting to make it work on the construction site. However, this approach often leads to cost overruns, time overruns, and other problems.

In this episode of the AEC Business Podcast, our expert panel discusses the digital maturity of construction firms and digitalization in general. They reference a recent report revealing somewhat surprising UK construction companies’ results. The panel debates the concept of digital maturity and the high percentage of respondents who believe their organizations to be digitally mature. The discussion is based on a report by a UK software company, which interviewed 175 individuals from various sectors of the construction industry. The report defines digitalization as the transformation of business processes through digital automation. The panel explores the concept of digital maturity, with 68% of respondents considering their organizations to be very digitally mature. The panel shares their thoughts on this high number and delves into what it means for the industry. Tune in to gain insights into the digital landscape of AEC firms! The panelists are: * Aarni Heiskanen, AEC Business, the host  * Cristina Savian, BE-WISE * Enrique Nadales Clavero, Tylko Advisors & BIM Café podcast  * Jaan Saar, the Ministry of Climate of Estonia You can also watch the interview video recording. Listen to the podcast and subscribe to it on your podcast platform of choice

In this episode of the AEC Business podcast, host Aarni Heiskanen is joined by Nate Fuller, founder and director of Placer Solutions, and Erin Khan, a construction technology consultant. They dive into the topic of augmented and mixed reality in the construction industry. Nate shares his background in construction and the founding of Placer Solutions, while Erin discusses her experience as a construction technology expert. They explore their roles in advancing change in the industry and the importance of incorporating technology into construction processes. Tune in to learn more about the potential of augmented and mixed reality in construction. The topics The discussion topics include: * Placer Solutions’ technology excellence reports * State of AR and MR in construction * AR use cases that yield the fastest returns * 3D coordination challenges * Barriers to adoption in construction * Encouraging industry entry with AR/MR * The new Artificial Intelligence and Construction report * How to get Placer Solution’s AR/MR report (includes a discount code) The report Placer Solution has published a report titled Augmented Reality and Mixed Reality in Construction. You can buy the report at placersolutions.io. Listen to the podcast episode to get a discount code for your purchase! About the interviewees Nate Fuller is a passionate and accomplished construction technology leader with a diverse background in corporate innovation, construction technology, and entrepreneurship. He contributed to engineering design and project management for global construction projects before helping to create Bechtel’s Office of Innovation in 2016. He then ventured into entrepreneurship and later founded Placer Solutions, a management consultancy firm in 2021. Nate’s proven track record defining strategy and directing change management in construction has led to successful consulting engagements with North America’s largest construction contractors. Erin Khan is an established AEC technology leader with over a decade of combined experience in construction operations, data and process analysis, and software implementation.  Founding Erin Khan Consulting in 2023, she currently provides technology and innovation services to both contractors and construction technology startups. Prior to founding EKC, Erin served as the National Director of Construction Solutions for Suffolk Construction, overseeing national technology and innovation operations. Erin holds a B.S. in Civil Engineering from USC, a certificate in Business Analytics from The Wharton School, and is EIT, LEED AP BD+C, and OSHA-10 certified.  How to connect with Nate and Erin Visit placersolutions.io and connect with Nate and Erin on LinkedIn. Listen to the podcast and subscribe on the platform of your choice

In this episode of WDBE Talks, Aarni Heiskanen interviews Dr. Pallavi Mohan, a Senior Scientist and Solutions Architect at NVIDIA. They discuss Pallavi’s work in the XR and digital twins research space and the potential of digital twins and extended reality technologies for the built environment sector. Pallavi shares her journey into her current position at NVIDIA and how she leverages her expertise in virtual environments to create dynamic virtual experiences. The topics of the discussion include: Pallavi’s journey into her current position at NVIDIA * What digital twins are and how they can help us create more sustainable built environments * The tools and technologies Pallavi uses in her work * How the evolution of technology affects how we interact with the built environment * What is the role of data, machine learning, and AI in Pallavi’s work, and how she sees them evolving in the future * How property developers, architects, and tech developers can use NVIDIA Omniverse to develop and deploy new solutions * Thoughts about Pallavi’s coming WDBE keynote You can meet Pallavi at WDBE on September 19-20 and connect with her on LinkedIn. Get your tickets now! About Dr. Pallavi Mohan Dr Pallavi Mohan is a Senior Scientist and Solutions Architect at NVIDIA Germany, where she drives research collaborations with institutions on the Omniverse platform. She has a background in XR and digital twin research. Since its founding in 1993, NVIDIA (NASDAQ: NVDA) has pioneered accelerated computing. The company’s invention of the GPU in 1999 sparked the growth of the PC gaming market, redefined computer graphics, ignited the era of modern AI, and is fueling the creation of the metaverse. NVIDIA is now a full-stack computing company with data-center-scale offerings reshaping the industry. Listen to the podcast and subscribe on your podcast platform of choice

In this episode of the AEC Business podcast, host Aarni Heiskanen interviews Zachi Flatto, CEO and co-founder of Skyline Cockpit. The startup offers a tower crane teleoperation, AI monitoring, and autonomous driving system. Zachi discusses the background of Skyline Cockpit, how they make construction safer and more efficient, and what technologies they use. A ground-breaking change in crane operation Zachi Flatto, the CEO and co-founder of Skyline Cockpit, is leading a startup that specializes in providing advanced technology solutions for tower crane operations. The company’s main objective is to eliminate the need for crane operators to climb 100 meters every morning and spend long hours operating the crane from such heights. Zachi firmly believes that in 2023, this traditional practice is no longer necessary. Skyline Cockpit is a spin-off of Skyline, Israel’s largest tower crane company, which owns approximately 250 tower cranes and operates hundreds more for major general contractors in the country. On the ground, but with a better vision The startup aims to revolutionize the construction industry by incorporating cutting-edge technologies from other domains, such as defense and automotive. By combining automation, teleoperation, and robotics technologies, Skyline Cockpit’s system includes multiple cameras and sensors that provide a panoramic view of the construction site, covering blind spots that operators on higher levels cannot see. Additionally, the company utilizes augmented reality to enhance the operator’s experience and improve safety by displaying the crane’s radius and other relevant information. Enhanced productivity and safety Zachi highlights several benefits of Skyline Cockpit’s technology. Firstly, it significantly reduces labor costs by requiring fewer operators for multiple crane jobs. For example, on a five-crane job, three operators would be sufficient. Secondly, the system offers potential savings in terms of time and efficiency and improved safety due to enhanced visibility and monitoring capabilities. The average age of crane operators globally is nearly 60 years old. Zachi suggests that the lack of young people entering the profession is not due to the salary, as crane operators earn well. Instead, the physically demanding nature of the job is the primary deterrent. Young individuals are not interested in the daily climb, long hours in confined spaces, and challenging work environments. The speakers explore the possibility of reinventing the profession to make it more appealing to younger generations. Zachi suggests transforming crane operation into a “techie” profession, where individuals familiar with technology, such as video game players, can easily adapt to operating cranes. This approach would create opportunities for younger people to enter a well-paying profession with a stable job market. By doing so, the industry can address the issue of an aging workforce and attract new talent to the field of crane operation. The business model Regarding the pricing and business model, Skyline Cockpit plans to collaborate with distributors, including its parent company Skyline, a rental tower crane company. The startup’s model is similar to that of a tower crane original equipment manufacturer (OEM), where distributors sell or rent out cranes equipped with Skyline Cockpit’s technology.

In the first episode of the Chat AEC Tech podcast, the panelists discuss using artificial intelligence in the construction industry. They delve into the latest developments and upcoming architectural, engineering, and construction technology trends. The discussion also covers a new report on construction AI startups and the panelists’ personal experiences with generative AI. Tune in to hear how the new technology is being used to enhance workflows in the AEC industry. The panelists The panel moderator is Aarni Heiskanen, Construction Innovation Agent and blogger at AEC-Business.com. The panelists are: * Cristina Savian – CEO and Founder, BE-WISE, Dubai * Enrique Nadales Clavero – BIM consultant at Tylko Advisors and the host of the BIM Cafe podcast, Spain * Jaan Saar – Head of Digital Construction at the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Communications of Estonia * Martyn Day – Co-founder of X3D Media, AEC Magazine, and Develop3D Magazine (joins in later in the episode) Timestamps [00:01:30] Using AI in daily work. [00:05:15] Using AI as an assistant. [00:09:20] Construction industry embracing artificial intelligence. [00:14:07] Structuring unstructured construction data. [00:19:30] The future of AI. [00:23:53] Buildings equals recipes. [00:27:14] Practical applications. [00:31:03] Coherent data solution in BIM. [00:34:23] Trusting software in engineering. [00:39:20] AI and the future. [00:44:06] AI in architecture. [00:47:42] Challenging the industry’s business cases. [00:51:07] Problems with structuring data. [00:55:00] AI and its limitations. The discussion was recorded on May 9, 2023. The episode is also available as a video recording. Listen and subscribe on your favorite podcast platform

In this episode of WDBE Talks, Michelle Xuereb, the Director of Innovation at BDP Quadrangle, shares her insights on sustainability, innovation, and new approaches to creating built environments. As one of the keynote speakers at WDBE in September 2023, Michelle is a prominent voice in the field. During the interview, Michelle and Aarni Heiskanen discuss the following. * Michelle’s background, her work at BDP Quadrangle, and what made her passionate about building sustainably. * What are the most significant barriers or challenges the construction sector has in transitioning to sustainable practices? * What we can learn from the Covid pandemic. * What other aspects of sustainability besides CO2 emissions should we start considering and why. * What the increasing amount of built environment data enables us to do * How a residential developer should organize their project to achieve the new and upcoming environmental goals. * What we should reinvent regarding how and what we build. * What is the effective way to upgrade our skill sets in the AEC sector? Michelle also hints at the subjects that she’ll address during her upcoming WDBE presentation. About Michelle Over her 25-year architectural career, Michelle has dedicated herself to the intersection of design, technology, and research. As BDP Quadrangle’s Director of Innovation, Michelle acts as the periscope of the practice, identifying and analyzing how the world is changing to provide the strategic direction required to embed innovation across the firm and advocating for and affecting real substantive and effective change across the industry. Michelle is a co-director of bdplab, the firm’s internal research and development team whose aim is to create a better world by pushing the boundaries of integrated design and engineering, enabled by data and technology across the practice.  In addition, Michelle is BDP North America’s sustainability strategist, responsible for setting and implementing the firm-wide sustainability strategy.  Connect with Michelle on LinkedIn. Join us at WDBE The World of Digital Built Environment WDBE summit takes place in Tallinn and Helsinki on September 19-20, 2023. Get your personal or group tickets now! Listen to the episode and subscribe on your podcast platform of choice

What is the most feasible way to reduce construction’s carbon emissions? This was the question Pyry Haahtela and Aarni Heiskanen discuss in this episode of WDBE Talks. Pyry Haahtela has worked with the Haahtela TVD simulation model for over a decade. His mission is to develop cutting-edge technology capable of simulating the repercussions of decisions made in investments and construction projects. On WDBE talks, Pyry talks about * Haahtela, the company, and their development work * His background * A construction project’s critical decisions regarding carbon emissions * What Haahtela’s simulation model is, and how it helps clients achieve exceptional results * How to balance the ecological and financial aspects of a project * The future of carbon emissions mitigation in construction About Haahtela TVD TVD emerged in response to a need for a performance-oriented leadership paradigm within the construction and real estate sector. This innovative model facilitates a strategic methodology for overseeing construction projects and properties by elucidating the cause-and-effect correlations inherent in decision-making. Additionally, the software equips the project team with the requisite tools and data, empowering them to discern the optimal solutions. The TVD simulation model enhances transparency throughout the design process, concurrently exhibiting the implications of your choices in real-time. Haahtela TVD simulation software is a proprietary solution developed by the esteemed Haahtela Group. As a leading authority in Finnish construction market research, the company leverages its robust academic research foundation and data-driven management methodologies to revolutionize the construction industry by making it more structured and predictable. The company boasts a highly skilled team of nearly 180 professionals, spanning project management and development, consulting, research, and software development. In the fiscal year of 2022, Haahtela Group achieved a turnover approaching 28 million euros. Visit http://haahtelatvd.com/en for more information and connect with Pyry on LinkedIn. You can meet Pyry at WDBE in September 2023. Get your tickets now! Listen to the interview and subscribe to the podcast on your platform of choice