Over the last half-decade, artificial intelligence—particularly its applications within the construction industry—has evolved rapidly and continues to do so exponentially thanks to proponents of it within the industry. CEO of Trunk Tools, Sarah Buchner, is emerging as a leader in construction technology innovation with a new “army” of AI agents.
“By structuring mountains of unstructured project data,” Trunk Tools explains, “these AI agents augment construction professionals in their administrative workflows and ensure critical information is available to the right people at the right time, automating the tedious and repetitive tasks that have historically weighed on industry productivity and profitability.”
Dr. Buchner sat down with Construction Executive to elaborate on what these agents are, how they work, how they are serving the industry and how they, too, will continue to evolve.
What are AI agents?
AI agents are intelligent software tools that automate and optimize specific tasks or workflows. They are leveraging artificial intelligence to streamline processes—such as document management, RFI creation and schedule tracking—where data discrepancies lead to delays and rework that can cost millions of dollars, ultimately improving productivity and reducing manual workload for construction professionals.
What is the most tedious task that this AI can easily automate?
Finding the right document while in the field is notoriously difficult. Field workers told us that up to 20% of their time onsite was spent going back to the trailer to verify that a piece of information was up to date and pulled from the right document. This is where an AI agent would reduce the time needed to answer these questions from minutes to seconds.
Additionally, manual scheduling and coordination of stakeholders are among the most tedious tasks in construction. An AI scheduling agent automates schedule creation, updates and workforce coordination, eliminating the need for manual adjustments and reducing the potential for human error. These agents currently assists project managers in proactively preparing for upcoming tasks by identifying risk factors and external dependencies.
Why is automating scheduling so important for contractors? Why aren’t more of them doing it?
Automating scheduling is essential for contractors, as modern construction projects are more complex than ever, involving numerous stakeholders and overlapping timelines that must remain aligned. Automation minimizes human error, a common issue with manual scheduling, which can lead to costly delays. It also enhances coordination by providing real-time updates that keep all parties informed and ensure the process runs smoothly. Despite these benefits, many contractors remain reluctant to embrace automation agents. Traditional practices are deeply rooted in the industry, making change difficult. Cost is another factor, as the upfront investment in new technology can feel prohibitive, particularly for smaller firms. Additionally, some contractors view AI tools as overly complex and fear they may disrupt, rather than simplify, their workflows, further fueling hesitation.
Where is this ‘unstructured project data’ being sourced from? What types of projects and what types of data does it cover?
AI agents can easily integrate with various construction data platforms like Autodesk Construction Cloud, Procore, Sharepoint, Primavera P6, etc. This data is structured into a “brain” that understands the specific project, due to its nuanced understanding of document formats—from specs and schedules to drawings and blueprints. The data covers various construction projects—commercial, residential and industrial—and includes information on project timelines, contract scopes, compliance documentation and more.
Will this fear of AI ever subside completely within the construction industry? For a company that is reluctant to adopt automation, is this a good place to start?
As with all new technologies, familiarity and time will reduce our fear of AI. We have already begun to see perspectives changing as users experience how helpful AI can be in their day-to-day lives. We understand that automation must be set up carefully to inform, not replace, decision-makers. Construction companies need AI tools built for their specific challenges—–Our vision is to automate time-consuming construction processes and let those builders build.
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