However, there are concerns that these AI avatars could further isolate the workplace, especially in a remote work-heavy environment. Young workers have noted that the "power of proximity" no longer exists in many workspaces, and AI avatars could further limit any vague proximity between younger staffers and higher-up managers and executives. Despite skepticism, Liang views the avatars as productivity boosters, freeing workers from the confines of conference calls so they can focus on more creative tasks.
Key takeaways:
- Otter CEO Sam Liang believes a working prototype of an AI-powered work avatar capable of attending and participating in meetings will be ready by later this year.
- The AI avatars would ideally be capable of attending a meeting, taking notes, participating, answering questions, and even asking their own.
- Liang envisions the bots would be trained to look and speak like their human counterpart and be able to answer roughly 90 percent of all queries from fellow workers.
- While these avatars could potentially boost productivity, there are concerns about further isolating workers in a remote work-heavy environment and limiting proximity between younger staff and higher-up managers.