Technology

10 articles

A master electrician uses an AI diagnostic tool to identify complex wiring faults, showcasing the synergy between human skill and advanced technology in the trades.
Industry

AI in Skilled Trades: Navigating Ethical Frontiers

A master electrician in rural Iowa now uses an AI-powered diagnostic tool that identifies complex wiring faults in minutes, a task that once took hours of specialized human expertise and multiple site

Rick Donovan·May 15, 2026
Property manager using a tablet to control smart home devices, including a smart lock and video doorbell, for service professionals.
Services

Top Smart Home Devices for Service Professionals

A property manager can now grant temporary, fingerprint-based access to a cleaning crew via an Ultraloq Bolt, monitor their arrival with an Arlo Video Doorbell, and ensure security with an Aqara Camer

Scott Ramirez·May 15, 2026
Carpenter using a tablet to monitor workshop security, featuring a weather-resistant camera and fingerprint smart lock, ensuring tool and equipment safety.
Projects

Top 5 Innovative Smart Home Devices for Trades Professionals

A carpenter on a remote job site can instantly verify workshop security, protecting thousands in tools with a weather-resistant camera and fingerprint smart lock, all managed from a phone.

Scott Ramirez·May 11, 2026
A homeowner struggling with the installation of smart shades and other smart home devices, highlighting the complexities of DIY integration.
Projects

DIY Smart Home Integration Challenges Amidst 2026 Standardization

Smart shades, a seemingly simple home automation upgrade, are typically made to order.

Scott Ramirez·May 11, 2026
Students in a vocational training workshop look confused while trying to operate advanced robotic arms and AI machinery, symbolizing the growing skills gap.
Trades

Vocational Training Struggles with Tech Amidst Skills Chasm

By 2030, 2.1 million skilled trade jobs are projected to remain unfilled, a deficit that could cost the economy $1 trillion annually, even as AI and robots begin to reshape these very roles. This stag

Rick Donovan·May 10, 2026
Split image: tradesperson on a job site and a smart home security system interface on a phone, representing remote control and enhanced security.
Projects

5 Top Smart Home Security Devices for Tradespeople 2026

A plumber, managing three job sites simultaneously, can grant a subcontractor temporary access to a secure property with a single tap on their phone.

Scott Ramirez·May 10, 2026
A split visual contrasting a sophisticated AI interface with a skilled tradesperson working in a workshop, symbolizing the intersection of technology and traditional crafts.
Industry

AI Redefines Skilled Trades: Jobs Persist, Expertise Erodes

While the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 5% growth for electricians and a 7% growth for plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters from 2022 to 2032, AI-powered predictive maintenance systems

Ben Foster·May 8, 2026
Electrician installing a smart thermostat, showcasing smart home technology integration for trades professionals and business growth opportunities.
Trades

Top Smart Home Devices for Trades Professionals

A single smart thermostat installation can yield a 40% profit margin for an electrician.

Rick Donovan·May 3, 2026
Technician analyzing complex holographic HVAC system data in a futuristic control room, highlighting advanced diagnostics and system monitoring.
How-To

What Are Advanced HVAC Diagnostics and Why Do They Matter?

Twenty-one distinct air handling unit (AHU) faults were reported on 20% or more of AHUs in a massive dataset, with 18 of those faults persisting for over 20% of the time, according to Tandfonline .

Scott Ramirez·May 3, 2026
Iowa farmer with specialized tools and diagnostic software, symbolizing the new right to repair legislation for farm equipment.
Tools & Equipment

Iowa House Passes Farm Equipment Right to Repair Bill

With a decisive 70-18 vote, the Iowa House has mandated that agricultural equipment giants like John Deere must now share their proprietary repair tools, software, and documentation with farmers.

Luis Ortega·May 3, 2026