Automated symbol recognition, conduit routing and natural language querying now available across Trimble’s MEP estimating platform
Trimble has introduced a set of AI capabilities across its mechanical, electrical and plumbing estimating software, targeting the pre-takeoff and quantity takeoff stages that typically consume a large proportion of an estimator’s time. The company says contractors using the features in 2026 have reduced the time spent on these tasks by up to 60%.
The updates span several areas of the MEP estimating workflow. An automated scale and naming function uses AI to identify and set the correct scale and sheet name across entire plan sets, removing a manual step that has traditionally sat between document upload and the start of quantity takeoff. For count-based takeoff, the system interprets construction drawings to recognise, label and count symbols — receptacles, switches, light fixtures and similar — with Trimble reporting more than three million symbols detected automatically to date and a reduction in manual recognition time of over 50%.
A new auto-routing feature addresses length-based takeoff, automatically calculating linear conduit footage including vertical rises and drops, which eliminates much of the manual measurement effort involved in conduit runs.
Discover what’s new in technology for architecture, engineering and construction — read the latest edition of AEC Magazine
👉 Subscribe FREE here
Trimble has also added an AI Smart Assistant within Accubid Anywhere, built on what the company describes as its agentic AI platform. The assistant accepts natural language queries against connected estimate data, allowing users to research historical material pricing or compare complex estimate versions without navigating through multiple interfaces. Trimble claims average time savings exceeding 80% for those specific tasks.
The tools operate on a human-in-the-loop basis, estimators review and validate the AI output through their own QA/QC process, with their corrections feeding back into the model over time.
Tim Jonas, executive director of estimation at Kidwell Electric, said estimators on his team who make heavy use of the AI tools have cut overall estimating time significantly. “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,” he said.
The AI capabilities are available across Trimble’s MEP estimating solutions in North America and the UK.
