Rudus, a startup from Y Combinator batch 26, targets concrete subcontractors with an AI‑powered takeoff tool that reads PDF plans and auto‑generates concrete, formwork, and rebar line items. The system eliminates hours of manual tracing, turning a handful of assemblies into 80‑120 priced items for each foundation package.

In the industry, estimators still open PDFs, trace footings by hand, and build spreadsheets with 300+ line items, a process that can stretch into weeks. Rudus classifies each sheet—foundation plans, sections, footing schedules—then uses proprietary computer vision to resolve dimensions and cross‑references that generic tools miss. This speeds bids and reduces error rates dramatically.

Rudus differentiates itself by treating concrete as a trade; its models train on customer data, improving accuracy with each interaction. The product functions as a copilot rather than a black box, letting estimators accept, override, or edit outputs before exporting to workflows. The result is faster bids that match the scale of million‑to‑billion dollar projects.

Rudus’ demo shows the platform in action, highlighting how it automatically routes foundation plans, detects footings, and expands them into detailed line items. By integrating directly with an estimator’s existing tools, the startup gives concrete subcontractors the speed and precision needed to bid larger projects without expanding staff. The company invites feedback from the field.