Trimble CEO: AI will change how construction works

Rob Painter says the biggest productivity gains will come from new ways of working as Trimble expands its AI platform. Image: KHL

At the conference CEO Rob Painter said in his keynote speech that, “AI is moving faster than anything I have seen in my career.” He added that the productivity gains for construction with AI would come from new technology, such as AI, leading to new ways of working rather than using the technology on existing systems.

The company is expanding its Trimble Connect platform with AI tools designed to link design, project management, construction site operations and financial data.

The new capabilities include Trimble Assist, a conversational AI interface that allows users to access information across Trimble’s software systems, and Trimble Agent Studio, which enables customers to build customised AI agents for specific tasks and workflows.

Other capabilities include automated structural modelling, analysis of construction contracts and change orders, and AI-assisted diagnostics for machine control equipment.

Trimble said some of these tools are already available, while others remain in development or are being tested with selected customers.

Trimble Connect Scheduling

The company has also launched Trimble Connect Scheduling, which uses AI to identify potential project delays and recommend changes to construction schedules.

The system connects master project schedules with live information from sites, including requests for information (RFIs), weather forecasts, daily reports and subcontractor schedules.

It can identify emerging scheduling conflicts and suggest adjustments, such as changing the sequence of activities, for project teams to review and approve.

The scheduling software is available in North America and supports the import of existing schedules from Primavera P6 and Microsoft Project.

MP1087 machine positioning solution

Separately, Trimble has introduced the MP1087 machine positioning solution for its Earthworks grade control platform.

The hardware combines positioning and communications technology into a single unit, replacing several separate components to simplify installation and improve reliability.

According to Trimble, testing showed that the MP1087 can improve machine control uptime by up to 15% in challenging environments, including areas with tree cover or tall buildings.

The new hardware is expected to become available worldwide through Trimble dealers in late 2026.