Trunk Tools, a construction-focused seed startup enabling the desk-less workforce, is proud to introduce TrunkText, a game-changing, patent-pending, text message-based AI tool designed to transform the way construction professionals access critical project information. TrunkText saves workers one-two hours daily, directly contributing to Trunk Tools’ larger vision of solving the skilled labor shortage. TrunkText is Trunk Tools’ second product, after TrunkPerform, a tool that improves project time and budget outcomes by incentivizing workers to complete project goals. 

“At Trunk Tools, we believe in a future where the construction industry is propelled forward by the power of AI, where skilled workers can return to what they do best – building with their hands,” said Dr. Sarah Buchner, CEO and founder of Trunk Tools. “TrunkText does what isn’t humanly impossible: In a $500 million dollar high rise project, there’s 120,000 project files with an average of 30 pages – a total of 3.6 million pages. A construction superintendent would take 50 years to read all of that information, TrunkText only needs seconds.”

The construction industry is inundated by thousands of pages of project documents, project specifications, change orders and RFIs. Finding the right information to answer crucial project questions has long been a daunting challenge, slowing progress and incurring high rework costs. For instance, a seemingly simple query like “What paint should I use for the lobby?” often triggers a laborious search through project specifications, RFIs, building codes, and change orders, causing unnecessary delays.

TrunkText aims to solve this challenge. TrunkText is a text message-based AI tool and web app and is meticulously trained on a comprehensive range of construction data, such as specs, code, RFIs, contracts, policies, submittals, change orders, safety procedures, and inspection reports. By centralizing general and project-specific information, TrunkText in tandem with TrunkPerform will serve as a one-stop-shop for reliable information for construction projects and schedules. 

With TrunkText, construction professionals can text any construction project-related question and receive accurate answers within just a few seconds. The system not only provides answers but also supplies links to the relevant documentation, ensuring transparency, trust, and peace of mind.

Parker Mundt, VP of Platform, at Suffolk Technologies said, “The construction industry offers so many opportunities for contractors to leverage sophisticated AI technologies that add value for their clients, and we are just seeing the tip of the iceberg. We see tremendous potential for generative AI in the built world.” Trunk Tools is in the current cohort of Suffolk Technologies’ BOOST accelerator program, the industry’s leading built world technology accelerator.

“We are excited about Trunk Tools’ use of generative AI to improve workforce productivity, which is a significant challenge in our industry today. We have been impressed by Trunk Tools’ customer traction, field-first approach and ability to quickly iterate on their product to match the needs of our project teams,” said Yash Lalwani, Project Manager at DPR. “TrunkText represents an ever forward technology leveraging AI to deliver project information quickly. After choosing to pilot TrunkText, we have seen strong potential from their team and product using Large Language Models for the construction industry.”

In an industry where time is money, TrunkText is set to revolutionize the construction landscape by offering a streamlined solution that saves workers one-two hours per day and reduces construction rework costs by up to a staggering 65%, $115 billion in industry savings. This innovative tool is set to redefine efficiency and productivity on construction sites. TrunkText is currently used in construction projects with over $2.4 billion contract value. 

Trunk Tools raised their seed round earlier this year led by Innovation Endeavors, with participation from Fifth Wall, Foundation Capital and several others. In addition to Suffolk’s BOOST program, Trunk Tools also participated in Stanford dy/dx, a program supported by Sequoia Capital, Accel, Lightspeed, Index, and Innovation Endeavors. 

“We are at the start of a fundamental shift in productivity driven by generative AI.” said Sarah Liu, Partner on the Real Estate Technology Investment team at Fifth Wall. “Previous waves of innovation like CAD, BIM, and various workflow software tools can all be brought together by enterprise search across every tool in the built environment.”

“Especially, in the construction industry, where timely access to critical information can make or break a project, generative AI like TrunkText is a game-changer. ” said Scott Brady, Founding Partner at Innovation Endeavors. “By swiftly providing construction project answers, TrunkText empowers construction workers to make informed decisions, enhancing productivity and efficiency on the job site.”

By saving valuable time and reducing rework costs, Trunk Tools is empowering construction teams to work smarter, more efficiently, and with greater confidence.