Construction industry problem solvers are at it again. With the rapid pace of development and labor shortages, technological advancements look to help ease these pressures. 

Earlier this year Contractor News examined top tech trends for construction estimators.

As the year comes to a close, it's time to reflect on business objectives and consider how changing tech can help.

Here are six recent product announcements by software developers and other tech firms intended to make construction easier.

Skydio

The cloud-connected Skydio Dock and Skydio Dock Lite, powered by the new Remote Ops Software, are introduced by Califronia-based drone company Skydio. 

Skydio drones can fly independently or with only one off-site operator at a fraction of the current alternatives' price, size, and complexity. Additionally, the Remote Ops software improves the drones' AI-powered autonomy so that operators can complete missions quickly.

According to the company, Skydio's Dock solutions based on AI models will provide clients with full remote and autonomous insight into activities like site inspection and monitoring, mapping, and situational awareness from anywhere worldwide. 

Thinkproject

An audit-safe cloud archive for CDE and BIM software has been made available by SaaS provider Thinkproject to save the knowledge gained from previous building projects and best practices.

Thinkproject's Archive was created to guarantee that project information is always safe and easy to access, even after the project is over. It also makes it possible for construction enterprises to adhere to legal preservation guidelines and ensure that project data is accessible in case of warranty claims or legal action.

According to the company, the product may be improved using best practices and lessons gained to serve as a knowledge basis for the next initiatives.

PlanRadar

A comprehensive set of QR code functions have been introduced by the digital construction platform PlanRadar, connected with its proptech platform. These functionalities include everything from construction project management to BIM model design and facility maintenance.

To track concerns and assets particular to an area, QR codes will be posted all around the site. The connected ticket opens when the QR code is scanned with the PlanRadar app. In a statement published with Construction Dive, PlanRadar said that this makes it simple to refer to certain facts at a job site or when managing facilities.

The launch will boost the company's ability to connect NFC tags with location-specific problems.

Eyrus

To assist general contractors in making better decisions on progress, risk, and safety, Eyrus is a worksite intelligence platform for the construction industry. 

Its features include onboarding/self-registration, connectivity with outside background check providers, and hardware-free deployment. According to the corporation, employees' mobile phones will now serve as a "digital badge" for managing site access, geolocating personnel in designated project work zones, and guaranteeing that everyone is present in the event of a safety or emergency.

Additionally, based on system permissions, worksite teams can let employees access and update their time sheets. It improves the transparency of the information gathered down to the employee level.

The construction industry must now, more than ever, rely on technology to ensure progress and productivity. These software projects are the first step in doing so. 

Smart cities and green building initiatives

Today's consumers are highly reliant on technology and opt for sustainable choices. Thus, the construction industry, often blamed for producing a high pollution level, is now adopting technology to create green buildings and smart cities.

Solar panels on residential and business structures' roofs are an eco-friendly initiative. This is beneficial for the environment and often saves money. Another alternative is to recycle as much construction materials as possible during and after a project.

Employees in the construction industry are likewise working hard to achieve net-zero emissions status by 2050. This will happen if the amount of greenhouse gas emissions produced and eliminated from the atmosphere are equal.

3-D printing

3D printing has also emerged as a technological trend in the construction business. It shortens construction time and enhances sustainability.

With its potential to assist in addressing the housing shortage, 3D printing is also one of the top trends in the building industry. The techs widespread deployment may make housing more accessible to people who cannot purchase them.