Josef Burkart, Manager, Construction Technology and Innovation, ABC National
On Feb 18, ABC’s Patrick Scarpati spoke at a Capitol Hill briefing examining the future of wearable artificial intelligence and its implications for innovation, workforce development and U.S. competitiveness.
The event, hosted by the Abundance Institute, brought together technology developers and policy experts to explore how wearable AI is being deployed today—and what policymakers should consider to ensure American leadership in this rapidly evolving sector.
Scarpati, ABC’s director of construction technology and innovation, joined Neil Chilson, director of AI policy at the Abundance Institute, and Ricky Hopper, development lead at Agerpoint on a panel moderated by Taylor Barkley, director of federal government affairs at the Abundance Institute.
During the briefing, panelists defined what constitutes “wearables” and “wearable AI,” highlighted real-world applications across industries and examined how these tools are reshaping sectors such as construction, health care, accessibility and entertainment.
Scarpati focused on how wearable AI technologies are being developed and integrated into the construction industry. He shared practical use cases demonstrating how these tools can enhance jobsite productivity, improve safety outcomes and support workforce development. The panel also addressed broader workforce implications, including how emerging technologies can help attract, train and retain the next generation of skilled craft professionals.
In addition to exploring current applications, the discussion examined policy considerations surrounding data security, user privacy, regulatory frameworks and market access. Panelists outlined which policies best support innovation and emphasized what lawmakers should keep in mind to ensure wearable AI technologies can flourish while protecting consumers. The briefing provided congressional staff and stakeholders with real-world insight into the next wave of AI integration into everyday life.
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