United States, August 18, 2025
News Summary
A new construction tech startup unveiled an AI-powered platform that automates electrical takeoffs from PDF construction plans. The system combines computer vision to read drawings and industry symbols with generative AI to assemble comprehensive bills of materials and labor cost estimates. Pilots with select contractors are underway to validate workflow improvements and accuracy gains. The tool aims to cut manual estimating hours, help mitigate workforce shortfalls caused by retirements, and speed preconstruction timelines. The company plans to expand support to plumbing, framing and HVAC and is seeking beta partners to refine models and trade-specific features.
New U.S. AI startup launches platform to automate electrical takeoffs from PDF plans
A newly formed technology company announced the launch of an AI-driven platform aimed at automating the process of creating construction takeoffs from PDF plans. The product initially targets electrical takeoffs and is built with computer vision and generative AI components to interpret plan legends and the symbols used on architectural drawings.
What the new tool does and why it matters
The platform reads PDF construction plans, identifies industry symbols and legend items, and produces lists of required materials and labor cost estimates for electrical work. The company reports that the tool can replace many hours of manual counting and interpretation and can help reduce errors common in traditional takeoff workflows.
Developers and estimators frequently spend large blocks of time manually marking plans and compiling counts. The startup says its product automates that labor, allowing estimating teams to shift toward higher-value tasks such as validation, pricing strategy, and subcontractor coordination.
Leadership, team and partners
The company was founded by a contractor and entrepreneur who runs a design-build firm that focuses on housing and renovations. The founding team also includes an AI and machine learning engineer with experience in government and defense projects, and a technologist focused on business automation tools. The company has an early strategic partnership with a business accelerator that will provide help with business development, sales, marketing and executive coaching. An executive from that accelerator will serve as a strategic advisor.
Pilot tests and early-stage status
The platform is currently in early pilot use with selected contractors. Those pilot customers are testing the system to see how it fits into preconstruction workflows and whether it reduces takeoff errors and turnaround time. The company describes the product as showing promise but still in early stages of deployment and refinement.
Road map and expansion plans
In the coming year, the team plans to extend the platform beyond electrical work to include plumbing, framing and HVAC trades. The company also plans to continue refining its models to improve adaptability across different plan formats and project types, with a long-term aim to expand AI-support for broader preconstruction and project-management tasks like cost estimation and resource allocation.
Industry context and workforce pressures
The company highlighted a broader industry challenge as part of its launch materials: an estimated large portion of the current construction workforce is expected to retire within the next few years. The firm framed automation as one way to address labor shortages by freeing experienced staff from repetitive tasks and allowing less-experienced staff to handle higher-level responsibilities sooner.
Expected outcomes and claims
According to the company, the electrical takeoff module can automatically produce a comprehensive list of materials and a labor cost breakdown, which should speed preconstruction work, help produce faster project timelines, and support more accurate cost projections. The company also said it is actively seeking additional contractors to join pilots and partnerships to broaden industry reach and improve the product.
How the technology works (high level)
The tool combines image analysis to read and interpret plan drawings with generative models that translate symbol detections and layout information into structured takeoff outputs. The approach is intended to handle the two main tasks in digital takeoffs: recognizing items on a page and converting those recognitions into bill-of-materials and labor estimates.
Status and next steps
The company is soliciting beta testers and partners while it continues to refine model performance and usability. It described the current platform as being in initial commercial stages and set to expand trade coverage during the next 12 months.
FAQ
What does the platform automate?
The platform automates the extraction of item counts, material lists and labor cost estimates from electrical plan PDFs.
Which trades are covered now and which are planned?
Electrical takeoffs are supported now. Plumbing, framing and HVAC are planned for rollout within the coming year.
Who is testing the system?
Selected contractors are piloting the system to evaluate workflow fit, accuracy and the potential to reduce manual errors.
What technologies power the product?
The product uses computer vision for plan interpretation and generative AI to turn detections into structured takeoff outputs.
Will this replace estimators?
The company positions the tool as an automation aid to speed up repetitive tasks, allowing estimators to focus on validation, pricing and project planning rather than replacing them.
How can a contractor participate in pilots?
The company is seeking partners and beta testers; interested firms are invited to reach out through the channels listed in the company’s launch materials.
Key features at a glance
| Feature | What it does |
|---|---|
| Core technologies | Computer vision and generative AI to read plans and produce structured outputs |
| Initial focus | Automating electrical takeoffs from PDF plans |
| Outputs | Material lists and labor cost estimates |
| Expansion plans | Plumbing, framing and HVAC in the next 12 months |
| Pilot status | Active pilots with select contractors testing accuracy and workflow fit |
| Expected benefits | Faster preconstruction, fewer manual errors, improved cost projections |
| Industry context | Designed to help address labor shortages as experienced staff retire |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
Additional Resources
- Time: China Isn’t Ignoring AI Regulation — The U.S. Shouldn’t Either
- Wikipedia: Regulation of Artificial Intelligence
- ETF Trends: Defining Rivalry in 21st-Century AI — A New Geopolitical Battlefield
- Google Search: AI Geopolitics
- CIO Dive: US Open Tennis AI Assistant — IBM
- Google Scholar: computer vision construction plans
- MultiVu (IBM): IBM & USTA AI Fan Experiences — 2025 US Open
- Encyclopedia Britannica: computer vision
- San Jose Spotlight: Critics of Trump’s AMD/NVIDIA China Chip Deal
- Google News: AI construction estimating software
Author: Construction NY News
NEW YORK STAFF WRITER The NEW YORK STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at constructionnynews.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in New York and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the New York Build Expo, infrastructure breakthroughs, and cutting-edge construction technology showcases. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Associated General Contractors of New York State and the Building Trades Employers' Association, plus leading businesses in construction and real estate that power the local economy such as Turner Construction Company and CMiC Global. As part of the broader network, including constructioncanews.com, constructiontxnews.com, and constructionflnews.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into the dynamic construction landscape across multiple states.
