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Tag: Construction

  • Scientists Developed the First ‘Living’ Cement that Generates Energy and could Reshape Construction

    Scientists Developed the First ‘Living’ Cement that Generates Energy and could Reshape Construction

    Is traditional cement—the kind we’ve known since childhood for laying floors or building walls—nearing its end? In Denmark, researchers have surprised the world with the creation of “living cement.” Beyond construction, this innovative material can also store and generate energy.
    Image Credits:cfeelings

    Is traditional cement—the kind we’ve known since childhood for laying floors or building walls—nearing its end? In Denmark, researchers have surprised the world with the creation of “living cement.” Beyond construction, this innovative material can also store and generate energy.

    Scientists at Aarhus University achieved the breakthrough by integrating the bacterium Shewanella oneidensis—renowned for its ability to transfer electrons from its cells—into concrete, forming a network that can store and release energy.

    A Resilient Bacterium with Unique Survival Abilities

    According to iNaturalist Ecuador, Shewanella oneidensis is notable for reducing metal ions and surviving in both oxygen-rich and oxygen-poor environments. As Unión Rayo notes, like any living organism, the bacteria also require nourishment.

    In response, the researchers developed a technique using a microfluidic system that supplies the bacteria with proteins, vitamins, and minerals—much like an aquarium. This setup keeps the microorganisms active and even allows them to revive and regain their energy capacity after dying, creating what could be an endless cycle. According to Qi Luo, the lead investigator cited in AS, the method can restore up to 80% of the material’s original capacity, both inert and active. Luo highlights that this marks the first step toward walls and foundations of the future functioning like batteries.

    Living Concrete as a Future Energy Backbone

    According to the engineering site Inspenet, living concrete could be used in both cities and rural areas to support solar panels, wind turbines, or autonomous energy grids—provided its storage capacity increases.

    The Danish research team explains that a room built with this material could store up to 10 kWh within its walls, enough to power a corporate server for an entire day. Applied to public infrastructure like bridges or tunnels, living concrete could also supply energy to structural sensors without the need for cables or frequent maintenance.

    Read the original article on: Cfeelings

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  • BuiltWorlds Reports Rising Interest in Construction Robotics, but Adoption Lags

    BuiltWorlds Reports Rising Interest in Construction Robotics, but Adoption Lags

    Like many industries outside of manufacturing, construction has been slow to embrace automation. While companies are improving at identifying promising technologies, the adoption of construction robotics remains limited, according to a new report from BuiltWorlds Inc.
    Image Credits: therobotreport

    Like many industries outside of manufacturing, construction has been slow to embrace automation. While companies are improving at identifying promising technologies, the adoption of construction robotics remains limited, according to a new report from BuiltWorlds Inc.

    Robotics Integration Driving Smarter, Tech-Enabled Construction Workflows

    “Contractors, owners, and tech providers are testing robotics for tasks like layout, drilling, and material transport,” wrote Audrey Lynch, senior research analyst at BuiltWorlds. “When paired with connected equipment and data-driven insights, these tools can help create a more efficient, adaptable, and scalable construction process. This reflects a broader shift toward intelligent, tech-enabled workflows that connect on-site operations with digital planning.”

    BuiltWorlds, a Chicago-based organization, offers research, advisory services, and networking for leaders in construction and infrastructure. With a global network of over 250 companies across 25+ countries, it supports clients through a digital platform and educational programs designed to navigate the rapidly evolving industry.

    2025 Report Reveals Growing Optimism Toward Construction Robotics Across Contractor Types

    In its 2025 Equipment & Robotics Benchmarking Report, BuiltWorlds observed a noticeable improvement in attitudes toward construction robotics. The report drew input from a diverse group of contractors—including general, specialty trade, and subcontractors—with annual revenues ranging from $2 million to over $5 billion.

    BuiltWorlds stated that these responses offer a snapshot of the industry’s current mindset toward robotics and equipment innovation at the company level. Compared to previous years, sentiment has become more positive.

    “Significantly, negative views on enterprise-wide robotics strategies have declined sharply, with ‘fair’ ratings dropping by 14 percentage points and no ‘poor’ ratings reported—down from 7.4% last year,” the report noted. “At the same time, positive feedback is on the rise, with ‘good’ or better evaluations increasing from 74% in 2024 to over 95% this year, including a nearly 10-point jump in ‘excellent’ ratings.”

    Image Credits:Corporate interest in construction robotics has increased. Source: BuiltWorlds.

    Despite the rise in positive sentiment, actual deployment of construction robotics slightly declined year over year, according to BuiltWorlds.

    Shift from Experimentation to Strategic Use Slows Overall Adoption

    In 2024, 65% of surveyed firms reported using some form of robotics or automation. This year, that figure dropped to 46%. While this might suggest declining interest, it may instead reflect a more selective, strategic approach.

    “Much of last year’s reported use came from pilot programs,” explained Audrey Lynch. “This year, we’re seeing fewer pilots but more consistent use on projects, indicating a shift toward deliberate, targeted implementation, even if at smaller scales.”

    BuiltWorlds added, “The key insight is that while full-scale adoption is still limited, growing commitment from a smaller group of contractors shows robotics is gradually evolving from a futuristic concept to a practical, modern jobsite solution.”

    Image Credits:Implementation of construction robotics projects has slipped year over year. Source: BuiltWorlds

    Read the original article on: The Robot Report

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  • Construction Begins on NYC’s Long-Awaited Floating + Pool

    Construction Begins on NYC’s Long-Awaited Floating + Pool

    The floating and self-filtering + Pool will allow New Yorkers to enjoy a safe swim in the East River
    Friends of + Pool

    More than a decade after the concept was first introduced—facing numerous setbacks and delays—the innovative vision of a floating public pool that filters river water in New York City is finally becoming a reality.

    A Versatile Design for All Swimmers

    Called + Pool, this unique swimming facility is being built in the East River and will be accessible via a walkway extending from the shore. Designed with a cross-like shape, it offers flexible usage: one section can serve as a kiddie pool, another for lounging, and the others for swimming laps or engaging in water sports.Users can also combine all areas for larger activities.

    A standout feature of + Pool is its self-cleaning system, intended to purify the East River’s water for safe swimming—completely chemical-free.The pool will rely on a combination of technologies—such as UV lighting, membrane filtration, and strainers—instead of using additives, although the team hasn’t yet released the full technical breakdown.

    Prototype First, Full Scale Later

    While planners envision the full-scale pool spanning 9,000 square feet (approximately 830 square meters), builders are currently constructing a 2,000-square-foot (185-square-meter) prototype.Built on a floating barge, this trial unit aims to demonstrate the concept’s effectiveness and feasibility. Workers are currently assembling the barge in Mississippi and will transport it to New York’s Pier 35.

    The first + Pool unit is currently under construction in Mississippi’s Bollinger Shipyard
    Friends of + Pool

    Friends of + Pool announced in a press release that Bollinger Shipyard in Mississippi has completed the custom barge. This June, crews will dry-tow it to New York on an ABS-certified transport vessel, where they plan to convert it into the world’s first river-water-filtering floating pool—pending final approval from health authorities.The three-week journey will pass through the Gulf of Mexico, Florida Bay, Biscayne Bay, and up the eastern U.S. coastline before reaching its final destination in NYC.

    Initially, plans had the public enjoying the pool by mid-2025, but updated timelines suggest testing will begin in May 2026.Authorities expect to open the pool to the public sometime after that—so you might want to hold off on buying that new swimsuit for now.

    Read the original article on: New Atlas

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  • Construction Speeds up on Saudi Arabia’s Line Megacity as New Details Emerge

    Construction Speeds up on Saudi Arabia’s Line Megacity as New Details Emerge

    Saudi Arabia’s ambitious mirrored megacity, the Line, continues to take shape as new project details emerge. Officials recently updated progress and introduced the lead architects shaping this desert marvel.
    The Line is currently under construction in Saudi Arabia and it will host an air-conditioned city of around 300,000 people once its first phase is complete
    Neom

    Saudi Arabia’s ambitious mirrored megacity, the Line, continues to take shape as new project details emerge. Officials recently updated progress and introduced the lead architects shaping this desert marvel.

    Ultimately planned to stretch 170 km (105 miles), the Line’s initial phase spans 2.4 km (1.5 miles) with a towering height of 500 m (1,640 ft) and width of 200 m (656 ft). This first section will house an air-conditioned urban space for around 300,000 residents.

    Global Firms Collaborate for Resilient and Sustainable Urban Development

    US-based Gensler, known for the Shanghai Tower, is managing city planning, transport hubs, and public spaces, while Austria’s Delugan Meissl Associated Architects will handle urban design, microclimate, and sustainability.

    UK-based Mott MacDonald oversees infrastructure, building vital systems like sewage, water, and energy to withstand desert conditions, with support from AI and extensive monitoring.

    Innovative Partnerships and Ambitious Progress in Neom’s Development

    However, Denis Hickey, Chief Development Officer, noted that the project’s unique partnerships showcase innovative approaches to city design, aligning with Neom’s forward-looking vision. Currently, the project consumes a fifth of global steel production, with 120 foundation piles added weekly. Phase One is set for 2030 completion, though further timelines remain unannounced.

    Alongside the Line, other Neom projects, such as Treyam, Epicon, and the luxury island Sindalah, continue to develop across Saudi Arabia.

    Work on the Line’s foundation piles is progressing, with over 1,000 out of over 30,000 piles placed so far
    Neom

    Read Original Article: New Atlas

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