Construction technology—the area where digital and construction intersect—is one of my favorite areas of study. The technology, known as Contech, is already becoming a dominant force in the glass and glazing part of the construction industry. Contech companies are attracting some of the highest levels of investment funding as private equity managers see the industry as ripe for disruption and investment, as you can see in the graph to the right.

Consider the case of Raise Robotics (RR). The company raised over $11.8 million in seed funding, including $7.75 million just last month. The company’s robotic system aims to install brackets for curtainwall on building slabs. This work is usually among the most dangerous that glaziers do. RR’s equipment eliminates the need for glaziers to be in those dangerous positions.

The equipment has been widely embraced. In late July, senior editor Joshua Huff and our video producer, Chris Bunn, traveled to Philadelphia to participate in a “Train the Trainer” educational program designed to train members of the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades (IUPAT) to use RR’s robotic system. Here is a look at the technology:

What’s particularly encouraging to see is how the unions that work our trade are embracing the technology. They recognize its use and reach are expanding and they are determined that their members will be part of its future. Here’s a look at the interactive training that took place:

In blogs ahead, we will cover some of the major changes in Contech that will affect our industry and work to ensure that all of us can benefit from them in the future. I also am interested in what you see being used on jobsites now and what you are testing for the future. Please let me know your thoughts.