Finding enough qualified workers to meet the current construction demand is a real challenge in many hot markets of the U.S. right now.

As jobsites become even more connected with broadband and other services, equipment providers are giving their contractor customers more capabilities to take advantage of project data, whether from a 3D model or even take the steps to make materials supply chains more sustainable.

Contractors still resist changing processes and opening their wallets for factory-installed electric power and autonomous operation, but more are realizing the benefits.

With the shortage of equipment operators seen in construction today, automation of heavy equipment is gaining ground among large contractors.

In a bid to speed work on projects in remote sites and cope with labor shortages, Mortenson has  announced an agreement with tech start-up Built Robotics to expand the contractors deployments of fully autonomous construction projects on renewable energy projects.