The future of construction technology will be unveiled at this year’s Plantworx exhibition (6-8 June), thanks to two game-changing feature launches from Mecalac Construction Equipment UK Ltd (formerly Terex GB).

The progressive manufacturer will launch a front-facing Hazard Detection system for its market-leading site dumper portfolio, developed in partnership with Vision Techniques, alongside introducing Capture – an innovative telematics tracking package provided by Trakm8.

Hazard Detection

Bringing award-winning automotive technology to the construction site, Mecalac’s Hazard Detection solution features ‘SensorVision: Drive’ from Vision Techniques. Using a microwave radar, the system provides flawless obstacle detection and is unique to the construction industry.

The system comprises a stainless steel radar unit and audio visual display which are able to detect potential obstacles from three customisable detection zones. To cover all scenarios, sensitivity has been pre-set to avoid false alarm signals arising from uneven ground or other objects that do not constitute a hazard.

The new technology comes as part of a wider strategic commitment to leading the way in on-site safety, delivering next-generation solutions for the future of construction.

Capture – intelligent telematics

Capture is Mecalac’s innovative telematics solution, developed in partnership with fleet tracking specialist Trakm8. Allowing hire firms and site managers to monitor unit location, distance travelled and hours completed each day, the state-of-the-art system provides detailed equipment insight at the touch of a button.

As well as providing remote maintenance capability, integration with the ECU offers access to real-time fuel consumption data logs, service planning functionality and geo-fencing reporting to within three metres.

Paul Macpherson, Sales & Marketing Director at Mecalac Construction Equipment UK Ltd, commented: “As a market-leader in the design, development and manufacture of site dumpers, we continue to innovate – developing state-of-the-art features to suit ever-changing market requirements.

“Plantworx provides a great platform to engage with highly-experienced operators. With representatives from across the Mecalac dealer network joining us on stand, we can’t wait to showcase our vision for the future and demonstrate that we really are ‘better together’.”

In addition to launching the new technologies, Mecalac will also reveal three new products – the eagerly-awaited TLB870 backhoe loader, 2017 TV1200 tandem roller and all-new single-drum roller trailer. The manufacturer will also use Plantworx to unveil its game-changing wheeled-excavator concept – the MWR – to the UK market, as well as launch Mecalac Financial Solutions.

Gamer Network, a global leader in games media and events, has announced that tickets are now available for EGX, the UK’s biggest games event, which returns to the NEC in Birmingham from the 21^st-24^th September. EGX, powered by Virgin Media, celebrates its tenth anniversary this year and is the number one event in the UK for publishers, developers and hardware providers of all sizes to exhibit their products and pre-release games to a highly engaged community.

The average British adult spends an average of 57 minutes on their gadgets in bed before going to sleep, according to new research.

A third (32%) of Britons fall trap to watching television in bed, revealed research of 1,012 UK adults carried out by gadgets and technology e-tailer, LaptopsDirect.co.uk. The device most commonly used by Brits in bed was unsurprisingly smartphones, with 68% using them from the comfort of their duvet.

1 in 5 (19%) use their tablet before sleeping, 14% admitted to listening to music in bed, while 8% confessed to playing on games consoles.

Mark Kelly, marketing manager at LaptopsDirect.co.uk said “It is interesting to see just how many Brits will postpone sleep to play on their devices in bed. Gadgets are great and can be really fun but using them right before sleep can be a little disruptive to sleep quality

Those aged 18-24 were most likely to use tech in bed, racking up an average of 71 minutes in front of the screen.

More than half (56%) have a morning alarm set on their smartphone, while 22% use some form of technology or app to monitor their sleep.

Kelly added, “Technology such as smartphone apps and fitness bands can also be used to measure the quality of sleep and help us nod off when we struggle to sleep. The advancements in technology and its increased accessibility mean that we are able to get a better insight into our sleeping habits once we have closed our eyes.”

Britain is a nation of appliance addicts, obsessed with kitchen and household gadgets that are making their lives easier, according to new research. The survey, carried out by e-tailer AppliancesDirect.co.uk, found the average UK adult uses 9.5 appliances every day, and currently owns 19 appliances with a total value of £5,579. The data shows the majority of households in Britain are underestimating appliance usage, as 78% believe they used less than 5 appliances each day.

According to the results of a recent survey carried out by the British Chambers of Commerce, businesses across the UK are still without reliable broadband connections, despite companies saying the availability of fully functioning broadband is extremely important to their operations.

Within the local West Midlands region, all companies surveyed (99%) stated that a reliable broadband connection is important, (84% say extremely so), yet more than one in five (22%) suffer from unreliable connections (12% not very reliable; 11% not at all reliable).

Furthermore, the survey suggests that more reliable broadband connections would allow businesses to do more. For instance, more than half of businesses (51%) say if the reliability of their broadband connection was improved it would allow them to use more applications, particularly those relating to the transfer of large files (27%), cloud-based services (24%), and internet telephony services (18%).

Dr Adam Marshall, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce, said: “Business communities across the UK still report that our digital infrastructure is not fit for purpose. Throughout the country, significant numbers of companies of every size and sector lack reliable internet connectivity – a basic requirement for businesses to operate efficiently in today’s world.

“Unreliable connections stunt productivity, causing needless delays, costs and frustration. While businesses in every corner of the UK are affected, our research shows that rural areas and small businesses that are most likely to suffer. An unreliable connection acts as an obstacle to growth, and puts those firms most in need of support at a competitive disadvantage.

“We’ve been calling on both providers and government for years to fund the necessary upgrades required to deliver superfast broadband to business communities. Regulators, too, must ensure that firms actually get the quality and speeds of connection they are promised. While we welcome recent ministerial announcements about investing in 5G technology and efforts to build a world-class digital infrastructure in the UK, there is still a long way to go in getting the basics right. The immediate focus must be on providing all companies with connections that are reliable and of sufficient speed, which would boost business confidence and encourage firms to maximise opportunities for growth, trade and investment.”

Corin Crane, Chief Executive of the Black Country Chamber of Commerce, commented: “Following a consultation that we held in November 2016, the Black Country Chamber of Commerce has identified improvements in digital infrastructure as being a key area of development for the local business community. The fact that more than one in five companies in the region suffer with unreliable internet connections is unacceptable.

“Moreover, local businesses have an insatiable appetite for growth, which is seemingly being hampered by inadequate technology that is quite often beyond their control, with more than half of those surveyed telling us that improved connectivity would help to facilitate their ambitions for growth. Therefore, we are calling for increased investment in digital infrastructure, as well as transport infrastructure, so that we can work to get the Black Country moving again.”

With the recent surge in fake apps tricking consumers out of personal data, experts are warning that manufacturers and developers of mobile devices need to make security a top priority in the design process to mitigate the serious risks posed by hackers. As recently as last month, numerous consumers fell foul of a fake Netflix app that infiltrated devices via a trojan allowing hackers to secretly spy on conversations, use the camera and microphone, and access contacts and messages.