Cemex Ventures, the VC and open innovation unit of Mexican multinational building materials firm Cemex, has made a second investment in construction automation start-up ObraLink
Cemex said ObraLink’s solution overcomes a lack of real-time visibility in project planning and execution by fully automating progress, planning and tracking of concrete strength on site, typically a time-consuming and error-prone process, without the need for human intervention.
The solution uses 100% automatic BIM software complemented with patented AI hardware technology that generates the real-time information.
Key data is then automatically shared for concrete suppliers to optimize product quality according to the client’s parameters.
Following its $2m pre-series A funding round, Chile and UK-based ObraLink now plans to push into the Mexican ready-mix concrete market.
A more visible and digital construction industry
Gonzalo Galindo, head of Cemex Ventures, said: “Two of the most troublesome paint-points in the construction industry area data collection and standardization, and the logistics of product deliveries.
“ObraLink has developed a solution that addresses both of these challenges, contributing to a more visible and digital construction industry.
“We are recommitting to ObraLInk because of the impressive success they have already amassed in the LATAM region and are looking forward to working closely with them on future projects.”
Construction automation ‘key to improving results’
Emiliano Pinto, CEO of ObraLink, said: “The only way to improve results in the construction industry is through the automation of daily and repetitive tasks during project execution.
“Digitalization alone is not sufficient to transform the industry. Given the complexity and the number of interconnected tasks and data in project execution, automatic systems are required to reduce the dependence on manual labor in construction.
“We are thrilled to have found a major industry player like Cemex, which shares our vision for the future of construction.”
Launched in 2017, Cemex Ventures has developed an open collaborative platform to engage with start-ups, entrepreneurs, universities and other stakeholders on tackling the biggest challenges facing the construction industry.
