Virtual Reality, AI, and Robotics: Impact on the Modern Workplace

Virtual reality (VR), artificial intelligence (AI), and robot technologies are evolving quickly and impacting the facilities management industry. This article explores how effective facilities management teams can adopt these cutting-edge technologies.

Virtual reality is becoming commonplace, with new enterprise and consumer applications being developed rapidly. Tech giants like Facebook, Google, and Samsung have entered the VR market with their own consumer-grade devices. While VR has primarily been used for immersive entertainment experiences, it is now being applied in healthcare, engineering, and other industries. Companies that successfully adopt VR technology may see positive changes in their offices and teams.

AI and robotics can help facility managers make more informed decisions and improve the efficiency of their spaces. Although the technology is still young, offices worldwide have begun to alter their organizational structures and daily operations. While some feared AI would eliminate human jobs, it is also creating new positions to oversee the output of robotics and automated technologies.

Priorities for facility managers, such as employee satisfaction, team productivity, office wayfinding, and space utilization, may be affected by AI and robot technology. Facility managers must ensure the office meets the needs of all employees, and with AI and robotics, this is set to become easier than ever before.

Virtual Reality

Changes in Physical Space

Companies like MureVR are developing VR productivity applications for the workplace, setting offices in 3D space with features like virtual whiteboards and charts. Adopting these products may reduce the need for desks and monitors, offering more flexibility in space design. However, if VR requires additional controls or space for movement, facility managers may need to allocate extra room to prevent accidents.

New Ways to Collaborate

VR enables people to interact with objects and each other in 3D space, providing more intuitive feedback during collaboration. Teams can conduct meetings, interviews, and conversations that feel more lively and personable compared to teleconferencing. The introduction of 3D space and new applications may lead to new team structures and processes.

Increased Remote Work

HR and management positions can become more remote-friendly, as VR preserves some benefits of face-to-face work lost in traditional computer communication. More employees may choose to work remotely, depending on the adoption of VR technology and company policies. Office communications between remote workers can benefit from the immersive experience VR offers. Designers, for example, can present their work as interactive 3D models without being physically present in the office.

Potential Business Risks

Adopting VR comes with risks and considerations. Facility managers must address issues in cybersecurity, usage policies, and personal safety to fully benefit from VR in their offices. Investing in VR headsets, infrastructure, and training can be expensive, and there are currently no definitive market leaders. Licensing and compatibility issues between competitors are already emerging. Facility managers need to monitor industry changes as VR companies develop their products and platforms.

The potential impact of VR is only beginning to be realized. Industries like real estate and construction are preparing for these technological changes. Facility managers may find innovative ways to work with VR but must approach implementation with caution and planning.

AI and Robot Technology

Improved Staff Experience

AI systems in facilities offer opportunities to create better experiences for staff. Companies like Deloitte have used automation and AI to improve their offices, with features such as thousands of sensors, smartphone-controlled environments, automated maintenance alerts, and robotic security guards. As these technologies are adopted, facility managers can delegate certain tasks to AI and focus on overseeing overall operations, managing both human and AI/robotic teams.

Facilities That Think for Themselves

Advances in AI have led to more sophisticated software and partnerships that combine facilities management with AI systems. For example, KONE partnered with IBM’s Watson to manage their network of escalators, elevators, and turnstiles. Watson helps gather data to improve efficiency, such as preordering elevators and optimizing building evacuations. Facility managers can use AI technology to optimize buildings, automate deliveries, and communicate with contractors for maintenance. While people management and planning remain human tasks, AI can provide sophisticated data analysis to optimize building systems.

New Data Insights and Reporting Capabilities

AI systems are effective at finding patterns in large data sets. Facility managers can use AI to draw insights that would not have existed otherwise. For tasks like determining timelines for maintenance projects, intelligent systems can improve accuracy. The Internet of Things (IoT) allows facility managers to gather versatile data from multiple sources, enabling AI to develop better reports on office space and resource usage.

Physical Automation of Everyday Tasks

Facility automation has existed for some time, but automating physical tasks like equipment management and cleaning has been challenging. Technologies like robot vacuums and warehouse shippers are becoming more popular. Robot systems for fine-motor tasks are still developing, but specialized products for facilities are expected soon, potentially automating operations like moving furniture, painting walls, and greeting guests.

AI and robotics are ushering in a new era of automation. Facility managers should research how AI can integrate with existing systems before investing in new technologies. Those who understand the technology will be better prepared for adoption as new solutions become available.