via Bluebeam
The immense technological growth the construction industry has seen in the past decade has been a refreshing change, to say the least. Fax machines, large filing cabinets, and redundant work are slowly becoming a thing of the past. More importantly, software developers are actually paying attention to the construction industry, making our lives collectively easier, while giving us more data to make better decisions. Bluebeam, maker of one of the industry’s favorite construction document software, has recently announced a wireless digital sensor specifically for under construction buildings.
I mentioned this in an article about DeWalt’s new Construction Site WiFi they’re rolling out, but wireless sensors are one of the keys to good construction data. It’s automatic, behind the scenes, and it’s backed up for safe record keeping. Daily reporting is useful for disputes, but is only helpful if it can be easily found. Sifting through 2 years-worth of hand written notes is inefficient and costly to any company.
Bluebeam Pulse, as the sensors are being called, are currently configured to monitor temperature, humidity, and light. These 3 data points are important in many areas for safety and quality control purposes. Temperature and humidity affect the way construction materials, like concrete and wood, react when installed. They can also be monitored to alert staff of possible heat illness. Proper lighting is important for workers to recognize worksite hazards, but also during finish work for quality purposes.
Bluebeam Pulse Sensor, via Bluebeam
“We have examples of people having to constantly go take readings in the darkest days of winter. Being able to collect this information remotely and report it back to a centralized system is something that our customers found valuable. That inspired us to really take the Pulse from just an idea and a concept to an actual prototype and a pilot we can bring to our customers,” said Don Jacob, Chief Technology Officer of Bluebeam, said in a statement.
The Pulse was first tested in a laboratory for around 2 years and has since been installed on a small amount of construction projects, as part of a limited pilot program for preliminary testing. The technology was first announced at Bluebeam’s yearly eXtreme Conference.
We reached out the Bluebeam for additional information about the sensors and they stressed to us that this product is in its infancy stages and is meant to highlight the behind the scenes development going on inside the Bluebeam Innovations lab.
The Pulse was categorized as being in the "alpha stage," which could mean the final product looks much different than what you see above and below. Because of that, there is obviously no pricing information to share. Currently, it's designed to communicate through Bluetooth.
Check out the video below for more information:
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