Looking towards the future of construction, a wholly owned subsidiary of Caterpillar Inc. is investing $2 million, with an option to invest a further $8 million, in Australian robotic technology company Fastbrick Robotics Limited. The two companies have also entered into a memorandum of understanding to discuss and develop a potential framework for collaboration regarding the development, manufacturing, sales, and services of robotic bricklaying technology. The MOU establishes a strategic alliance board with representatives from both companies that intends to develop that framework and consider how best to offer this technology to existing customers.

A manufacturer of electronic technology to support the installation and maintenance of underground pipe and cable Subsite Electronics acquired the assets of R.S. Technical Services Inc., which manufactures closed-circuit television remote inspection and monitoring cameras. The deal adds advanced inspection capabilities to the buyer's line of Underground Awareness• solutions. The seller's innovations include the first true pan-tilt camera with tracking lights from a U.S. manufacturer, and the first steerable storm drain tractor or large pipeline tractor.

Continuing in acquisition mode, Sunbelt Rentals, based in Fort Mill, South Carolina, recently added adding a handful of companies over the past few months, including most recently Van's Equipment Co. in Denver and MSP Equipment Rentals, based in New Castle, Delaware. The former, purchased for an undisclosed amount, includes two Colorado-based locations. The latter, with another location in Laurel, Delaware, serves the Philadelphia metro area the entire state of Delaware and southern New Jersey and northern Maryland.