Tag: technology: Page 40

Technology

ThumbDogs let you keep your gloves on when working on tablets and smartphones

With winter getting closer, the gloves will soon come out, but that doesn’t mean you have to take them off to operate your tablet or smartphone in the field. ThumbDogs ($15) fit over the thumb and index fingers of any gloves and restore the tactile function you need to make a touchscreen work using a […]

September 12, 2014

Technology

Topcon FC-500 data collector lets you map projects and share data instantly with the cloud

Mapping GIS databases on electric utilities, gas pipelines, disaster management survey points, water and wastewater operations, forestry, highway maintenance markers and construction projects can require massive amounts of information. The Topcon FC-500 field controller/data collector allows you to store, manage and input this kind of data on a large, bright-sunlight-readable display device. Built in wireless […]

September 11, 2014

Technology

Employee and subcontractor software speeds up billing, approval and payment processes

Dexter + Chaney has expanded the capabilities of its Spectrum Software with the release of two new “kiosks.” The Employee Kiosk and Subcontract Kiosk allow authorized employees and subcontractors of companies who use Spectrum an easy, secure way to access and update payroll and subcontract data in the system without the need for additional user […]

September 11, 2014

Roadbuilding

How robot designed for Disney could extend lives of bridges

A new robot dubbed C2D2 developed by a team of Swiss researchers is able to move atop, underneath and across any surface, checking structural integrity as it roves, and could greatly extend the lives of bridges. Both de-icing salt and CO2 in the atmosphere corrode the reinforced concrete that most bridges are made of […]

September 4, 2014

Technology

AEM/AEMP draft telematics standard released; will enable unified reporting of mixed fleet systems, including 19 data points

If you’re looking for a telematics program that can enable you to gather all your information into one unified database, regardless of how many different brands of equipment you’re running, the AEM/AEMP draft telematics application programing interface (API) is now available—and it’s free. What the program does is standardize the telematics data from different brands […]

September 4, 2014

Construction Equipment

What’s new with directional drills?

Operator-centric moves Keeping operators happy and productive continues to be a main thrust. “This positively impacts contractor’s bottom lines,” says Joshua Beddow, marketing manager, Toro, “which in turn leads to higher productivity.” Because of this, Toro is seeing higher demand for cabs, even on smaller machines. Additional features aimed the operator include color gauges/displays with […]

September 2, 2014

Technology

How a robot designed for Disney could extend the lives of bridges by fighting corrosion

A new robot dubbed C2D2 developed by a team of Swiss researchers is able to move atop, underneath and across any surface, checking structural integrity as it roves, and could greatly extend the lives of bridges. Both de-icing salt and CO2 in the atmosphere corrode the reinforced concrete that most bridges are made of over […]

August 27, 2014

Technology

AEM survey: Construction firms plan to grow staff and fleet size, but most have no plans to use telematics

According to a survey released this morning by the Association of Equipment Manufacturers, U.S. construction companies are fairly optimistic about the near future as the majority say they plan to either increase or maintain current fleet and staff levels. The survey was conducted by AEM earlier this year with more than 1,200 responses coming in. […]

August 18, 2014

Technology

Need to know more about telematics? Learn from the best at AEMP’s 2014 Asset Management Symposium

Telematics is reshaping the way we do construction, but the learning curve is steep and many contractors struggle to master it on their own. Recognizing this, the Association of Equipment Management Professionals has dedicated the conference education portion of its 2014 Asset Management Symposium to telematics. The symposium will be held November 3-5, in Nashville, […]

July 31, 2014

Technology

Hard hats with augmented reality to ship to construction companies by end of this year; more capable than Google Glass

While discussing the reasons construction companies should become early adopters of Google Glass, we mentioned that the much-talked-about device was worth exploring since it is a precursor to much more sophisticated technology. Turns out, we were closer than we thought to those types of new devices as a startup company named Atheer has plans to […]

July 28, 2014

Roadbuilding

Illinois Tollway to launch first ever technology test site

The Illinois Tollway is set to build a “living laboratory” which will serve as a unique test site to improve existing products and study technology advancements.  The test site will immediately focus on smartphone tolling applications and I-Pass transponders to instantly confirm toll payments. “This project will help us fine tune current technologies to improve […]

July 18, 2014

Roadbuilding

The future begins today: Technology that will revolutionize trucking is already here

It’s a cold, rainy morning in Aachen, Germany. I’m on the tail end of a two-week jaunt through Europe that began with Daimler’s introduction of a self-driving truck and wrapped up Wednesday with ZF showcasing a host of innovative new products and technology. It’s been an informative trip, although I’m ready to feel the hot […]

July 11, 2014