The Daily Blueprint May 22, 2025

Snapshot

A lot happening on the AEC front today:Hoban Construction launched an exterior wall painting robot in Korea, while HWKN unveiled the UAE's first AI-planned district in Sharjah. Siemens reported 70% of cyberattacks now originate from smart building systems, with breach costs up 10% in 2024. California-based Reconstruct secured investment from Nemetschek Group to accelerate AI capabilities in its Visual Command Center. The Hong Kong Polytechnic University established a lab partnership for digital twin rail technologies.

AEC Tech in Action

Hoban Construction launches exterior wall painting robot in Korea: Hoban Construction introduces a new robot designed for exterior wall painting, advancing smart construction technologies in the region. (chosun.com)

HWKN develops UAE's first AI-planned district in Sharjah: HWKN unveils a commercial masterplan for Sharjah's District 11, integrating AI in its design. (designboom.com)

New Innovations and Partnerships

Building Cybersecurity Becomes Critical For Smart Infrastructure: Siemens reports that 70% of cyberattacks now originate from operational technology systems in smart buildings, with data breaches costing 10% more in 2024 as vulnerable HVAC, lighting and access control systems create expanding attack surfaces. (siemens.com)

Innovative materials move from lab to construction with EU support: The EU is advancing smart construction materials from prototypes to market through initiatives like Exploit4InnoMat. (theconversation.com)

PersoniWay launches AI-powered field service platform for technicians: PersoniWay introduces an AI-driven platform for building automation service teams, enhancing access to technical resources and streamlining operations. (openpr.com)

ABB engages partners in Manila for smart building initiatives: ABB's Smart Buildings Division President Mike Mustapha meets with channel partners in Manila to celebrate achievements in sustainability and resources. (facebook.com)

PolyU partners to enhance digital twin technology in rail: The Hong Kong Polytechnic University collaborates with a mainland partner to establish a lab focused on digital twin technologies and intelligent monitoring systems for rail transport. (opengovasia.com)

Funding Rounds and M&A Activity

Reconstruct Secures Investment From Nemetschek Group: California based digital twin provider will use Nemetschek Group funding to accelerate AI capabilities in its Visual Command Center, which creates reality models that cut site assessment time by weeks. (businesswire.com)

Policy & Regulation Updates

UK

Proposed immigration changes impact construction workforce recruitment: New immigration proposals could restrict skilled worker visas, worsening labor shortages for construction SMEs. (constructionnews.co.uk)

North America

New standards introduced for construction and demolition recycling: A new set of industry standards has been released to enhance recycling practices in construction and demolition sectors. (cdrecycler.com)