Elevating Electrical Construction  Training and Research in AI (ElectriAI)

Exemplar AI Chatbot:

This is the example AI chatbot. Feel free to explore it.

Purpose and Justification:

This project aims to explore the integration of AI chatbots within the electrical construction industry, addressing the growing need for intelligent tools that can assist in tasks such as interpreting electrical codes, managing submittals, and cross-checking procedures. Electrical contractors face increasing complexity in their operations, and the ability to leverage AI-driven tools can significantly enhance efficiency, reduce errors, and attract new workforce entering the electrical trade. The target audience for this research includes electrical contractor executives, project managers, and industry professionals who stand to benefit from the practical applications of AI in their workflows and business operations.

Outcome and Dissemination:

The project will produce a series of instructional videos, guides, and a sample AI chatbot that electrical contractors can use to develop and deploy their own AI-driven tools. These resources will be accessible online via the project website https://www.electriai.org/, ensuring widespread availability. Additionally, the research findings and resources could be adapted into a seminar format for NECA Education, offered either live or online. The materials will be designed, maintained and updated through the project website to remain relevant for years to come, providing value at 3, 5, and 10-year intervals.

Project Scope:

This project is self-contained, delivering all necessary resources and findings within the research timeline. While designed as a standalone initiative, our team remains committed to advancing research in this area to support electrical contractors after the project is completed.

Work Plan and Research Methodology:

Our research team has a strong track record of successful research projects in construction management and education. Our recent project funded by the Associated General Contractors (AGC)’s Education and Research Foundation completed in September 2024, demonstrates our team's capability in working with industry partners and funding agencies in developing practical educational materials for AGC members (Nguyen et al., 2024).

The proposed work plan is structured in two phases. The first phase, funded by the FGCU’s internal grants, runs from October 2024 to February 2025. During this internal grant funded phase, we have studied AI tool needs and challenges specific to electrical construction to develop sample chatbot(s). This phase will also include preparation and submission of the full ELECTRI International proposal, laying the groundwork for the second phase of the project. The ELECTRI International funded phase (Mar 2025 - May 2025) will proceed as follows:

• Testing & Feedback (Mar 2025): Evaluate chatbots & materials w/ industry & ELECTRI task force

• Final Development (Apr 2025): Refine chatbots and guidance w/ ELECTRI task force

• Deployment (May 2025): Produce instructional videos and finalize deliverables

Our commitment extends beyond the project timeline, ensuring long-term value for the electrical contracting industry through ongoing research and updates. This project will offer valuable experience for students. Currently, one graduate student (Shanley Mastin) and one undergraduate (Alexis Figueroa-Baltazar) have worked on this research endeavor funded internally. We have planned to recruit software engineering students for chatbot development and testing.

Timeline: