WESTMINSTER, CO, July 1, 2026 – Trimble has added AI tools to its mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) estimating solutions to read construction drawings, set plan scales and automate quantity takeoff. Contractor data from 2026 shows the tools reduced manual task time by up to 60%.
The release also adds an AI Smart Assistant to Trimble Accubid Anywhere. The assistant lets users query connected data in natural language for tasks such as researching historical material pricing and comparing estimate versions.
“Manual takeoff is a massive drain on an estimator’s time,” said Lawrence Smith, senior vice president of construction management solutions at Trimble. “With over 4,000 contractors already leveraging AI within our MEP estimating solutions, we’re seeing a fundamental shift in pre-construction efficiency. For example, our automated takeoff feature has detected more than three million symbols to date, allowing estimators to bypass manual effort and focus entirely on high-value, strategic decision making.”
The new AI functions include:
- Pre-Takeoff Setup: Trimble MEP estimating applications use AI to identify drawing scale and plan names across plan sets. The process moves estimators from document upload to quantity takeoff without manual setup.
- Count-Based Takeoff: AI interprets construction drawings to identify, label and count symbols, including receptacles, switches and light fixtures. Trimble said its automated takeoff feature has detected more than three million symbols and reduced manual recognition time by more than 50%.
- Length-Based Takeoff: An auto-routing function calculates conduit linear footage, including vertical rises and drops, reducing manual measurement work.
- AI Smart Assistant: Built into Accubid Anywhere, the assistant uses natural language input to access connected data, automate tasks and compare estimates. Trimble said average time savings for historical pricing research and estimate comparisons exceed 80%.
The Trimble AI tools use a “human-in-the-loop” approach within each estimator’s QA/QC process. Estimators identify false positives and validate the data, before completing an estimate. Trimble said real-time user input helps the AI model improve over time.
Tim Jonas, executive director of estimation at Kidwell Electric, said, “The estimators on my team who are heavy users of Trimble AI tools cut overall estimating time significantly, which leads to more jobs, more projects and better accuracy. It’s really more of a review process for the estimator that allows them to focus on higher payoff activities rather than an actual takeoff process.”
Source: Trimble
About Trimble
Trimble Inc., established in 1978, is a technology company focused on creating tools that connect the physical and digital worlds. Based in Westminster, CO, the company serves industries such as agriculture, construction, geospatial technology, and transportation. Its products include GNSS receivers, optical devices, machine control systems, and widely used software and services. Trimble’s construction technology improves project efficiency by using data throughout each build stage. The company employs around 12,000 people worldwide. The company prioritizes innovation and sustainability, working to make industries productive, safer, and environmentally friendly.