AI at Work: How Office Landscapes are Being Reshaped
Image Credit: Israel Andrade | Unsplash
In Melbourne, office workers' movements are now being tracked and analyzed by artificial intelligence, specifically through a system that assesses Wi-Fi use by employee devices. This technology is currently employed by Colliers, one of the city's largest commercial real estate firms. The aim is to determine the feasibility of downsizing office spaces based on where and when employees are most active within their workplace.
AI-Driven Space Optimization
The system known as Basking is revolutionizing how companies understand office space utilization. By analyzing the areas where employees spend most of their time and their activity patterns, Basking provides data that helps in deciding whether to decrease or increase office space. This technology has become particularly relevant as businesses adapt to post-pandemic changes in workplace attendance.
The Cost-Effectiveness of Wi-Fi-Based Monitoring
According to Karen Primmer, Colliers' head of workplace transformation and innovation, traditional methods of monitoring office space usage involve expensive sensors. In contrast, Basking operates through existing Wi-Fi infrastructure, making it a cost-effective alternative. This system can swiftly provide real-time data on office occupancy within a couple of hours.
Privacy Concerns and Data Collection
Privacy is a critical aspect of using AI in workplace monitoring. Ms. Primmer reassured that the data collected by Basking is completely anonymous, focusing only on device movements rather than individual tracking. This method ensures privacy while giving a clear picture of team dynamics and office use without infringing on personal privacy.
Economic Impact of AI in Real Estate
Recent research by Colliers highlights the significant economic impact AI could have on the Australian economy, potentially contributing up to AU$115 billion by 2030. AI's integration into real estate is not just about monitoring but also enhancing lease administration, project management, and portfolio strategy, streamlining operations across the board.
Beyond Commercial: AI in Residential Real Estate
The integration of AI is spreading beyond commercial properties to the residential sector. Darren McCoy, Chief Technology Officer at Barry Plant, indicated that facial recognition technology at property inspections could be the future, enhancing security and streamlining visitor management without the need for manual check-ins.
The Rise of AI in Customer Interaction
The real estate industry is also exploring AI for enhancing customer interactions. AI "bots" that can follow up on inquiries are becoming a reality, with many real estate firms already integrating chatbots on their websites. These bots are designed to handle initial customer queries efficiently, freeing up human agents for more complex tasks.
The Future of AI in Workplace and Real Estate
As AI continues to evolve, its application in workplace and real estate management is likely to grow more sophisticated. Companies like Colliers are at the forefront of adopting these technologies to create more efficient and responsive environments. The ongoing advancements in AI promise to reshape how real estate businesses operate, driving efficiencies and enhancing user experiences.
