On this episode of The Slice of Construction, Jared Taylor talks with Alexandra McManus, co-founder and CEO of Eyrus, about how her company is transforming construction site management through data and AI. McManus explains that Eyrus focuses on tracking workforce data to increase efficiency and connect workers with real-time site information, making job sites safer and more productive.

How AI is Revolutionizing Construction

With construction technology lagging behind other industries, McManus sees great potential for AI to streamline operations. At Eyrus, AI is used to analyze workforce data, detect potential safety issues, and provide real-time insights that help teams make proactive decisions. By leveraging computer vision and IoT devices like NFC and BLE, Eyrus captures crucial data, such as whether workers are wearing proper PPE or if they’re positioned too close to hazardous areas.

McManus emphasizes the importance of starting with training data to improve AI models, noting that while AI holds massive potential, its effectiveness depends on access to well-structured and unified datasets. For example, Eyrus initially used open-source datasets for PPE detection but quickly refined its AI models with real-life data from construction sites.

Practical AI Solutions and Unified Data: The Future of Construction

AI’s potential in construction extends beyond safety monitoring. McManus discusses how AI can assist with project scheduling, forecasting, and labor allocation. A unified dataset across projects can help construction firms optimize resource allocation, monitor project timelines, and ensure compliance with safety protocols.

Despite these advancements, McManus points out that construction companies are often hindered by "contracting friction" — the challenge of aligning project needs with company-level goals. Eyrus aims to overcome these barriers by offering scalable solutions tailored to projects of all sizes, from small renovations to massive data centers.

Advice for Emerging ConTech Entrepreneurs

Before wrapping up, McManus offers advice for aspiring ConTech entrepreneurs: understanding the construction industry is crucial. She stresses the importance of partnering with industry veterans to navigate the unique challenges of construction sites, where rugged environments and operational demands require practical, reliable technology solutions.

With 2025 on the horizon, Eyrus is focused on expanding its platform’s data collection capabilities and improving connectivity between construction sites, enabling firms to operate more efficiently across multiple projects. As McManus looks ahead, she envisions a future where data and AI not only improve safety but revolutionize the way construction projects are managed, from start to finish.