Tech in the construction industry is literally lifting the heavy workload

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SAM and MULE are two construction workers helping to build a new military barracks in Illinois. SAM lays a brick every 10 seconds, and MULE handles tools, stones and concrete panels up to 135 pounds. It’s the first time these two robots have been used in tandem. With them, New York based company Construction Robotics is redefining the construction industry.

SAM and MULE

Both robots were designed with a combination of conventional manufacturing principals and innovative technology. They’re specifically engineered to fit seamlessly into a worksite, collaborate with workers and other machines, and increase productivity. SAM (Semi-automated Mason) is solving the tedious task of bricklaying. Its claw-like metal arm extends from a cage, coordinating the ‘buttering’ and laying of bricks. SAMs use customized coding for each project, to lay bricks in complex pattern if needed. The moveable robot can lay bricks six times faster than conventional methods, and can lay up to 3,000 per day. MULE (Material Unit Lift Enhancer) is a lift assist device: a 12 foot arm designed to lift and maneuver heavy objects. It allows one person to move materials quickly and easily. When workers are fatigued, their productivity drops and their risk of injury increases – MULE solves both these problems.

More than 130 MULEs and 11 SAMs are used in worksites across the country, with many more in production. They have better speed and precision, taking away the ‘human error’ factor. And, they reduce waste: easier lifting means less dropping, chipping and damaging of materials.

Safety Concerns

Both machines provide construction companies with immense benefits – one major benefit being safety. In 2017, 20% of private industry deaths were in construction, from falls, electrocution, being struck by, or caught in between objects. These four issues correlated to almost 60% of industry fatalities; eliminating them would save 582 lives.

While the robots may not eliminate all deaths, they definitely help reduce the risk. With machines lifting and laying, there’s less need for workers to be balancing on tall structures or maneuvering themselves to fit pieces together, and less chance of them dropping blocks. And, the robots both have safety features built in. MULE is effectively hand-held, so when a person stops so does it. Although SAM is more autonomous, it has motion sensors that make the machine stop automatically when it detects contact with a person.

Technology in the Future of Construction

The construction industry isn’t known for its high-tech gadgets, instead it’s known for – excuse the pun – strong foundations which have continued through the years. However, it’s common these days to see 3D printed prototypes or visual design software used before the build has started. So, robotic technology on worksites is the next logical step.

Understandably, companies are cautious and construction workers are worried for their jobs. But, with the U.S. facing a major shortage of construction workers, innovative technology like robots is the only way forward.

Are you developing or working with robots? Did you know your R&D work could be eligible for the R&D Tax Credit and you can receive up to 14% back on your expenses? To find out more, please contact a Swanson Reed R&D Specialist today or check out our free online eligibility test.

Who We Are:

Swanson Reed is one of the U.S.’s largest Specialist R&D tax advisory firms, offering tax credibility assessments, claim preparation, and advisory services. We manage all facets of the R&D tax credit program, from claim preparation & audit compliance to claim disputes. 

Swanson Reed regularly hosts free webinars and provides free IRS CE and CPE credits for CPA’s.  For more information please visit us at www.swansonreed.com/webinars or contact your usual Swanson Reed representative.

US Energy Department to Invest in Blockchain Technology as New Security Measure

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The U.S. Department of Energy is exploring blockchain technology as a new defence measure against cyberattacks in phase two of a nationwide project to upgrade power plant security.

Blockchain is a system that allows transactions to be made in cryptocurrency, maintained across several computers or servers. By decentralisation the cybersecurity concerns and only being linked to a peer – peer network. Blockchain technology makes it much harder to hack into than standard cyber security measures.

It was announced recently by the department’s National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL) that development in the electric grid security project will focus on decentralised cybersecurity. Startup company Taekion, specialising in this field has been granted $1 million last year in R&D incentives and now will be focusing on researching how blockchain technology can be implemented as a new line of defence.

The NETL said: “The applications being developed in the NETL-managed project have the potential to thwart such attacks by preventing hackers from altering the plant’s operational information.”

A cyberattack on a power plant in Ukraine in 2016 has shown. The severity of such attacks as it resulted in power outages around the country. Such technology to prevent attacks like this are still in the early stages of development. Projects funded by the Department exploring this technology is funded by the department’s Small Business Innovation Research program.

This is not the first time the NETL has invested in research to explore the potential of blockchain energy for technological improvements in the security between power plants and grids within the nation. In 2017, they partnered with another technological company to explore using blockchain in higher security between transactions.

It has also been announced universities will receive fundings of up to $4.8 million for working on R&D blockchain projects.

Notorious Plant Killer?: Dallas-based startup OrchidBox develops terrariums for the lackluster green thumb

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If you don’t have a green thumb, growing plants can be an absolute nightmare. The day has come where anyone, anywhere (yes, this includes the person who overwatered their grandmother’s African violet) can grow a variety of plants, thanks to Dallas startup OrchidBox.

“It’s sad, I don’t think young people understand just how diverse our wildlife is, and we are losing more and more plant species every day,” Hollis said in an interview.

OrchidBox was developed by Nathan Hollis, who has a background in computer science and a love for plants. Hollis’ creation, an acrylic box that has high-power LED lights, a water indicator level, and a water level viewing window, promises that any user will never kill a plant again.

The OrchidBox comes with built-in intelligence and is Wi-Fi enabled. This allows the box to coordinate with sunrise and sunset times, and send watering alerts straight to a smartphone. The case will also let you know when to water the plant (if you see a red light on the case, you should really water the plant). According to the company website, the OrchidBox uses over 400 lumens over a 4” x 4” x 7” area that includes light flux levels that are approximately 50% of the sun’s intensity on a sunny summer day—a design feature that cannot be found within any other growing device. The sensing technology has been designed to last, so users can grow plants over the years to come.

“While most people think of the stereotypical store-bought orchids, there are actually 50,000 species of orchids, some that are very, very bizarre. Most people don’t know that, and some don’t even know what an orchid is, so we wanted to take the opportunity to teach people,” Hollis said.

The terrarium box comes with: the OrchidBox, a power adapter, base substrate, soil of choice, watering cup, a pipette, and a fertilizer sample. The application supports Facebook and Google logins. Users can add terrariums to an account. It also allows users to view the water level remotely.

OrchidBox’s mission is to increase conservation and conservation awareness by developing microclimate-controlled devices for plants. The OrchidBox is still in its development phase.

More information about the innovative startup can be found by clicking here.

Creating an innovatiove, quirky desk accessory? Did you know that you can receive up to 14% back on your research expenses with the R&D Tax Credit? To find out more, please contact a Swanson Reed R&D Specialist today or check out our free online eligibility test.

Who We Are:

Swanson Reed is a Specialist R&D tax advisory firm, offering tax credibility assessments, claim preparation, and advisory services. We manage all facets of the R&D tax credit program in Texas, from claim prep & audit compliance to claim disputes. 

Swanson Reed regularly hosts free webinars and provides free IRS CE and CPE credits for CPA’s.  For more information please visit us at www.swansonreed.com/webinars or contact your usual Swanson Reed representative.

The Flood of the Boxes: Dallas-based delivery startup Fetch makes apartment package delivery easier, more convenient

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If you’ve ever lived in an apartment complex or have been a property manager, packages can overtake a leasing office or lobby in the blink of an eye. Thanks to an innovative Dallas startup, property managers will no longer need to ‘sail’ through a mass flooding of packages in their apartment complexes.

Fetch, created by Michael Patton, collects parcels that are mailed to apartments at off-site warehouses and then delivers them to residents at a convenient time. “The e-commerce explosion has flooded apartment buildings with packages. I saw what a pain it was for the property managers, and that was an eye opening moment for me,” Patton said.

Fetch works in a simple, yet innovative way. Users redirect their deliveries to a Fetch warehouse. Once the package has arrived at the warehouse, users then receive instant notifications, hours before it would normally arrive at an apartment complex. Patrons can then request their package to be delivered on their schedule—convenience at its finest, especially for bulky or large items that take a bit more effort to deliver and coordinate.

Fetch has signed 15 contracts with various properties around Dallas. The startup currently manages packages for roughly 5,000 apartments, according to an article on 512tech. Property managers are charged $10 per unit on a monthly basis. The service is available in Texas, but it plans to expand rapidly across the country.

For more information on Fetch, please click here.

Are you developing a platform that benefits employees? Did you know that you can receive up to 14% back on your research expenses with the R&D Tax Credit? To find out more, please contact a Swanson Reed R&D Specialist today or check out our free online eligibility test.

Who We Are:

Swanson Reed is a Specialist R&D tax advisory firm, offering tax credibility assessments, claim preparation, and advisory services. We manage all facets of the R&D tax credit program in Texas, from claim prep & audit compliance to claim disputes. 

Swanson Reed regularly hosts free webinars and provides free IRS CE and CPE credits for CPA’s.  For more information please visit us at www.swansonreed.com/webinars or contact your usual Swanson Reed representative.

A Doctor for Finances: Chicago-based Holberg Financial develops capital wellness platform

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A Chicago startup suggests that offering financial health and wellness can reduce stress and increase overall satisfaction in the workplace. Holberg Financial has created a platform that mixes behavioral economics and psychology with access to a living person that can help people, namely Millennial employees, with finances.

“I grew up in a financially unstable household, and I remember that there were times when we had enough money to go on vacations, but there were also times when we didn’t have enough money to put food on the table. I had to borrow $40 from a neighbor just to apply for college,” said CEO and Founder of Holberg Financial, Joe Holberg.

Upon signing up, a user’s financial information is gathered all in one place where they can receive assessments on how they are doing. A financial survey is then conducted, thus generating a score between 0-100. According to an article in 1871 Blog, Holberg Financial has helped to increase user financial health by 6.3 points, on average. The platform is different from others out there because, instead of providing only a financial overview, it offers users goal development with emphasis on a plan of action. “It helps people recognize that personal finance is a fixed pie and allows users to come up with prioritized goals that they can set, track, and eventually realize.”

The Holberg Financial platform provides companies with the option to offer financial health as a benefit to employees, although companies must pay for the platform, it is free and unbiased for the employees who use the service.

“Companies that have used our platform often come back to us and say that it’s really helped them retain employees and increase productivity. And then, when we look at averages, we see that employees are able to build their net worth by over $3,000 in less than a year and significantly reduce their debt profile as well.”

May questionable credit be a thing of the past.

For more information on the Holberg Financial platform, please click here.

Are you developing a platform that benefits employees? Did you know that you can receive up to 14% back on your research expenses with the R&D Tax Credit? To find out more, please contact a Swanson Reed R&D Specialist today or check out our free online eligibility test.

Who We Are:

Swanson Reed is a Specialist R&D tax advisory firm, offering tax credibility assessments, claim preparation, and advisory services. We manage all facets of the R&D tax credit program in Illinois, from claim prep & audit compliance to claim disputes. 

Swanson Reed regularly hosts free webinars and provides free IRS CE and CPE credits for CPA’s.  For more information please visit us at www.swansonreed.com/webinars or contact your usual Swanson Reed representative.

Introducing the Tinder of Dining: Chicago-based Sugr matches you with food places you’ll love

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If you live in a metropolitan area, picking the next best place to have lunch or dinner can be rather difficult. Do you want spicy or sweet? Are you looking to eat earlier in the day or later? Do you prefer to have a reservation when you walk in? Chicago-based startup Sugr wants to make dining experiences a little less indecisive and more tailored to your preferences.

“The incredible access to information that we have today sometimes makes the simplest decisions take way too long,” said Ruben Flores-Martinez, CEO and founder of Sugr. The discovery service uses machine learning to give users tailored results. The app also takes into consideration where people within your network are eating. “It’s basically a very simple neural network. The more you use it, the better it gets at predicting what you’ll like.”

Sugr has an array of neat features. Once a venue has been selected, you will have the option to hail an Uber. You can invite friends and family to the venue you’re planning to visit, should you wish to be in company. An option is also available to pay via Apple Pay, subject to if the venue has enrolled in this payment method. The app also doesn’t publish written reviews, a design feature that was intentional. “The power of online reviews leads to a lot of negativity. Instead, we want to validate preferences based on what your peers are doing. What my wife thinks is a lot more important than what a random stranger on the internet thinks. So we weigh recommendations based on what people in your networks are doing,” Flores-Martinez added. “We wanted to create a very smart product that could easily understand your personality, the things you like and connect with, and help you make those decisions better and faster.”

The service is pro-small business, as Sugr does not include major chains in its recommendations. However, its founder said “we want to create incentives that are sponsored by major brands, but are redeemable at local businesses.”

Working on an app that encompasses AI solutions and makes life a bit easier? Did you know that you can receive up to 14% back on your research expenses with the R&D Tax Credit? To find out more, please contact a Swanson Reed R&D Specialist today or check out our free online eligibility test.

Who We Are:

Swanson Reed is a Specialist R&D tax advisory firm, offering tax credibility assessments, claim preparation, and advisory services. We manage all facets of the R&D tax credit program in Illinois, from claim prep & audit compliance to claim disputes. 

Swanson Reed regularly hosts free webinars and provides free IRS CE and CPE credits for CPA’s.  For more information please visit us at www.swansonreed.com/webinars or contact your usual Swanson Reed representative.

An Unmanned Future: Austin-based SparkCognition creates UTM solutions

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If you have ever wondered about (or even feared) how unmanned airplanes, air taxis and drones will not crash into each other when on a flight path, wonder no more. Boeing Co., the aerospace manufacturing giant, will partner with Austin-based SparkCognition Inc. to create unmanned traffic management (UTM) solutions. To achieve this, Boeing will use SparkCognition’s AI and blockchain technologies to track and create unmanned traffic routes to ensure safe travel conditions for unmanned air transportation.

“We partner with the world’s largest organizations that power, finance, and defend our society to uncover their highest potential through the application of AI technologies,” mentioned a blurb on the SparkCognition website. Solutions developed by the company are “agile” and can “streamline operations of any size, making it easier to accomplish goals and meet objectives in an expedited manner. These solutions can be seamlessly delivered via the cloud or on devices, and can also run on top of a client’s interface of choice.” It’s also worth mentioning that SparkCognition’s AI solutions lowered the cost of maitenance and improved available for a major aviation operator by 35%.

The company’s AI solutions can also warn of aircraft and asset failures before they occur, thus maximising fleet availability, minimizing unscheduled maitenance, and extending asset life. The company also provides simulated environments in which a user can train and control algorithms and evolve swarm tactics using reinforcement learning.

This promising partnership will also bring about a standardized programming interface to support package delivery, industrial inspection and other commercial applications. SparkCognition has its focus on a number of industries, such as cyber security, manufacturing, financial services, maritime, oil & gas, utilities, defence, and of course, aviation. “The world’s number one aviation leader partnering with the world’s most innovative industrial AI company means that unparalleled experience in safety, innovation, scale, and reliability will be brought to bear to address this monumental opportunity,” Husain said.

For more information on SparkCognition, please click here. For information on this innovative project, please see the video below.

Are you developing UTM solutions? Did you know that you can receive up to 14% back on your research expenses with the R&D Tax Credit? To find out more, please contact a Swanson Reed R&D Specialist today or check out our free online eligibility test.

Who We Are:

Swanson Reed is a Specialist R&D tax advisory firm, offering tax credibility assessments, claim preparation, and advisory services. We manage all facets of the R&D tax credit program in Texas, from claim prep & audit compliance to claim disputes. 

Swanson Reed regularly hosts free webinars and provides free IRS CE and CPE credits for CPA’s.  For more information please visit us at www.swansonreed.com/webinars or contact your usual Swanson Reed representative.

(Virtual) Assistant In a Lab Coat: Atlanta-based HelixAI develops lab companion to complement Amazon’s Alexa

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HelixAI is working to bring scientists a hands-free virtual assistant in the lab. The Helix voice assistant can help scientists to increase efficiency, improve lab safety, and gain visibility, according to the company website. The startup was created by husband-and-wife duo James and DeLacy Rhodes.

“James actually came to me and asked, what would you think about making a digital lab assistant, something that runs off Alexa devices but helps out in the lab,” DeLacy said. “Our goal was to get feedback from scientists and see if this was actually something they were interested in using in their laboratory spaces,” James said.

As a scientist, your hands will likely be occupied when conducting an experiment with chemicals and the like. Helix can access scientific reference information by a simple voice command. Key information, whether public, private, general or specific can also be customized to fit any specific needs, such as those of an individual lab or institution.

Scientific processes also normally require a protocol or repetition when conducting experiments. To avoid creating any new variables in the experimentation process, the testing from yesterday must be repeated in the exact same way. Helix can keep track of and add any protocols, SOPs, and solution recipes, thus helping to avoid any unwanted variables in an experiment. The program can also start where you last ended, even if it has been an extended period of time.

Timers and notifications can be set and sent to a mobile device–never experience an overflowing beaker again. “We work very closely with organizations to talk about their needs and identify the kind of content they would like to get through a digital assistant. Then we build up private skills that only those in their organization can get access to,” DeLacy said.

Helix may also be used to keep track of inventory, record notes during experiments, and manage various areas where custom content can be inserted.

Are you developing a virtual assistant extension? Did you know that you can receive up to 14% back on your research expenses with the R&D Tax Credit? To find out more, please contact a Swanson Reed R&D Specialist today or check out our free online eligibility test.

Who We Are:

Swanson Reed is a Specialist R&D tax advisory firm, offering tax credibility assessments, claim preparation, and advisory services. We manage all facets of the R&D tax credit program in Georgia, from claim prep & audit compliance to claim disputes. 

Swanson Reed regularly hosts free webinars and provides free IRS CE and CPE credits for CPA’s.  For more information please visit us at www.swansonreed.com/webinars or contact your usual Swanson Reed representative.

 


 

Access Beyoncé in the Blink of an Eye: Austin-based Blink Identity materializes biometric admissions technology

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Waiting in massive lineups to access venues may be a thing of the past. Austin-based startup Blink Identity has the solution we’ve all been waiting for: biometric access to a concert that is quick and seamless. “Blink Identity has created a fast, accurate and user-friendly identity service for live entertainment venues, solving the bottleneck problem and creating a preferential experience for consumers and venue owners alike,” said Jordan Fudge of Sinai Ventures, a lead investor of Blink Identity.

The company was conceived in January 2018 by Mary Haskett and Dr. Alex Kilpatrick; both of which have impressive qualifications. The duo has over a decade of experience designing, developing and deploying large scale biometric identification systems internationally for the Department of Defense, according to the company website.

Blink Identity technology works by identifying people at a normal walking pace–a revolution in itself. The system can verify the identity of 60 people per minute via a sensor and can do so in any lighting conditions, according to reports. Not having to stop and verify multiple identities allows the technology to be applied to events where tens of thousands of people gather—perfect for an entertainment company like Live Nation. “It is very notable that today we announce our partnership with, and investment in, Blink Identity, which has cutting-edge facial recognition technology, enabling you to associate your digital ticket with your image, then just walk into the show,” a Live Nation press release stated.

“Blink is revolutionary. Currently, commercial biometrics are almost nonexistent—primarily because other systems are high friction, difficult to use, inaccurate and vague about privacy/data protections. Our unique experience at large-scale/in-motion identity, combined with our focus on usability and privacy, will allow us to lead adoption in the commercial sector as well as open up new markets,” Haskett said in a statement.

The development of facial recognition technologies like the Blink Identity system can provide personalized user experiences, from VIP access to tailored advertisements. More information about Blink Identity can be found by clicking here.

Developing a way to streamline crowd admissions with biometrics? Are you using biometrics for other technological purposes? Swanson Reed wants to hear from you! Did you know that you can receive up to 14% back on your research expenses with the R&D Tax Credit? To find out more, please contact a Swanson Reed R&D Specialist today or check out our free online eligibility test.

Who We Are:

Swanson Reed is a Specialist R&D tax advisory firm, offering tax credibility assessments, claim preparation, and advisory services to the state of Texas. We manage all facets of the R&D tax credit program in Texas, from claim prep & audit compliance to claim disputes. 

Swanson Reed regularly hosts free webinars and provides free IRS CE and CPE credits for CPAs.  For more information please visit us at www.swansonreed.com/webinars or contact your usual Swanson Reed representative.

Opinions Heading ‘Up the Ladder’ in Miami: Florida-based CityGrader allows citizens to review public service workers

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Everyone has an opinion, especially when it comes to political leaders and representatives in the public sector. Have you ever had an outstanding experience with a police officer and wanted to let others know? Maybe you’ve had a not so great encounter with the local librarian and needed to express how you feel? A South Florida startup, appropriately named CityGrader, has recently developed kiosks that can help you with that itching desire to express opinions about public service employees.

CityGrader is a simple and effective platform dedicated to increasing the quality and accountability of local governments through reviews and feedback that comes directly from the public. According to the company website, through the CityGrader platform, taxpayers play a meaningful role in making positive change in local government by increasing the quality and accountability of public employees. To give you a taste of CityGrader, take a peek at the video below.

Via the app’s Public Partner Dashboard, local governments can work to improve public services and make adjustments to policies. All Public Partners of CityGrader pledge an oath to monitor feedback in an effort to improve accountability, transparency and public services. If you are a member of the public, all that is required is to enter your email address and basic contact information, then provide a grade and review. Once completed, you will submit the information, which will be reviewed by your local government representatives.

The CityGrader experience was conceived by a husband and wife duo after working with various building department employees. “We’ve had some rather remarkable experiences, both positive and negative. I find it’s hard to do anything about those experience, to give credit where credit is due and to give criticism where criticism is due,” said CityGrader founder Tony Newell. The most recent kiosks can be found at Miami’s City Hall and Miami Riverside Center. “Miami’s decision to join CityGrader as its first Public Partner demonstrates forward thinking and a continued commitment to improving the level of services it brings to residents,” Newell said.

“Miami residents are our bosses and we need their input to better serve them,” Miami Mayor Francis Suarez said. “Time and time again, we are witnessing how technology, like what CityGrader offers, continues to help us create a stronger connection between our government and residents.”

The app can also be used as a data-mining tool. This will allow governments and public-sector employees to track issues across the city via keyword searches. Action can then be taken in relation to the keyword complaints. The startup also released CityGraderGO, an app where citizens can rate employees from a smartphone or tablet. For more information on CityGrader, please click here.

Are you developing technology to aid democracy? Creating an application that connects people with services? Did you know that you can receive up to 14% back on your research expenses with the R&D Tax Credit? To find out more, please contact a Swanson Reed R&D Specialist today or check out our free online eligibility test.

Who We Are:

Swanson Reed is a Specialist R&D tax advisory firm, offering tax credibility assessments, claim preparation, and advisory services to the state of Florida. We manage all facets of the R&D tax credit program in Florida, from claim prep & audit compliance to claim disputes. 

Swanson Reed regularly hosts free webinars and provides free IRS CE and CPE credits for CPAs.  For more information please visit us at www.swansonreed.com/webinars or contact your usual Swanson Reed representative.