How the AI revolution might affect the future office

In the near future, our workplaces may function like big iPhones, connecting the physical world with the digital. Henrik Byström, one of the founders of AI Lab Sweden, explains what AI might mean for the offices of tomorrow.

Soon AI will take over, they say. What will this mean for our workplaces? A huge change for the better, according to AI expert Henrik Byström – provided we play our cards right. After a long career as a manager at Microsoft, Henrik has launched AI Lab Sweden, the company that helps organisations use AI in a responsible way to develop their business. He argues that AI can shape smarter workplaces, where technology works for us rather than against us.

“Within ten years, our offices will be AI-integrated in various ways, without us giving it a second thought. And our ways of working will change completely. While the physical office won’t disappear, it will work in a new way – like a huge iPhone with larger elements of the metaverse, a virtual universe.” 

First of all, what is AI?

“A collective term for different technologies and applications based on machine learning and large amounts of data. We’re already growing increasingly dependent on AI, which is why regulations and ethics are important factors to consider. Insights and analysis are critical to using technology responsibly. And we have a huge transformation ahead of us. Technology will not only change the physical workplace, but also how people interact and develop. The pandemic has accelerated that journey, even though it had started long before.” 

How exactly will our workplaces change? 

“The most immediate change is that we’ll all get access to a personal assistant, who can act as a ‘co-pilot’ with integrated technology to facilitate the work process. Another aspect is the connection to the physical workplace. In the real estate sector, for example, everything is interconnected. From energy and escalators to lifts. Data is continuously generated in the building and with the help of AI you can gain insights, forecast and visualise the physical appearance of a room. This enables you to  optimise spaces, make sustainable choices  and create a better experience.”

How exactly?

“Take the ‘commute regret’ phenomenon that we’re now experiencing: people arriving at work only to discover that very few of their colleagues are there. These isolated workers may be spread over several floors, so they aren’t able to see or interact with each other. AI could help you find solutions for gathering these people more efficiently and improving the working environment.”

Henrik_portrait.jpg

Henrik Byström, founder of AI Lab Sweden

“With the help of AI you can gain insights, forecast and visualise the physical appearance of a room.” 

How will AI be integrated into the physical working environment? 

“In many ways. One is to optimise your property by combining other technologies, such as location tracking and Microsoft 365 services. A sensor could indicate occupied workplaces, which can be seen by others in a system. Meeting room bookings could be customised based on whether the participants wish to participate in person or remotely. Smart cameras in conference rooms can create an inclusive experience by focusing on the people speaking during a remote meeting. AI can also be used to identify discrepancies, transcribe speech into text, recognise images and translate language.”

Should we be afraid of AI? 

“No. But we ought to have respect for it, just like with all other technology. When the car arrived, we realised that we needed to introduce seat belts and similar safety measures. The same goes for AI. It’s an extremely capable technology that we need to regulate and take a stance on.” 

What’s the most common myth about AI? 

“Maybe that AI can do everything at the touch of a button. Instead of speculating, we should try to get to grips with the subject. The more you listen, learn and experiment, the more knowledge you obtain.”