AUAR raises £5.1M, Ecopals goes global and Rebar robots launch

Snapshot

Quick AEC rundown. These are the updates to track:Berlin startup ecopals expanded its recycled plastic asphalt additive internationally, cutting road construction CO2 emissions by 20% across four countries. Automated Architecture raised £5.1 million to scale mobile micro-factories for affordable housing, while ETH Zurich spin-off MESH launched robotic systems for automated steel reinforcement assembly.

AEC Tech in Action

HWKN Architecture unveils first AI-driven office community in UAE: HWKN Architecture announces plans for District 11, an AI-driven office community in Sharjah consisting of eleven buildings designed for productivity and well-being. (worldarchitecture.org)

Belval selected for €3 million smart city project: Belval has been chosen to host a €3 million pilot project focused on smart city innovations. (luxtimes.lu)

Ecopals expands recycled plastic road tech beyond Germany: Berlin startup ecopals scales its EcoFlakes asphalt additive internationally, with the recycled plastic product cutting road construction CO2 emissions by up to 20% across projects in Germany, Austria, Czech Republic, and Georgia. (openpr.com)

New Innovations and Partnerships

Arcol launches web-based design platform for AEC collaboration: Arcol has unveiled a collaborative web-based building design platform aimed at streamlining workflows for architects and engineers. (financialcontent.com)

Robotic technology automates steel bar assembly for construction: ETH Zurich spin-off MESH has launched a robotic arm system to automate the assembly of reinforcing steel, enabling complex shapes and improving efficiency in construction. (interestingengineering.com)

Caterpillar showcases new technologies at demonstration center: Caterpillar unveils innovations including remote-controlled machinery and collision mitigation systems to enhance safety and productivity in construction. (pjstar.com)

Nemetschek Group highlights AI tools at industry conferences: Nemetschek Group showcases its latest AI-based innovations at the AIA Conference in Boston and Digital Construction Week in London, featuring the AI Assistant and other software tools. (mynewsdesk.com)

Funding Rounds and M&A Activity

Automated Architecture: The company has raised £5.1 million in to expand its mobile micro-factory operations for affordable housing. (housingdigital.uk)

Policy & Regulation Updates

Asia

Construction Ministry streamlines permit procedures for projects: Vietnam's Ministry of Construction will simplify permit processes for projects with approved planning, aiming for a 30% reduction in processing times by 2025. (vietnamnews.vn)