AI and AV in 2024: Focus on Avocor
In the ever-evolving landscape of the Unified Communications (UC) space, Avocor is at the forefront, focusing on innovative collaborative workplace solutions. The company's Vice President of Sales, America, Maureen Schmidt, discusses the current and future impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and cloud technology on the Professional Audio-Visual (Pro AV) industry.
The Current Impact
AI and cloud technology are revolutionizing collaboration, particularly in hybrid and remote work environments. By enhancing video conferencing quality, providing automatic transcription, real-time translation, and intelligent camera framing, these tools are making virtual meetings more engaging and effective.
Moreover, AI-driven automation is simplifying the setup, control, and operation of AV systems, making them accessible to users with varying levels of technical expertise. The scalability and flexibility offered by cloud technologies also allow organizations to manage and update their systems remotely, reducing the need for onsite support.
The Future Impact
As AI continues to advance, Pro AV systems will become smarter, anticipating user needs, optimizing room usage, and enhancing interaction through natural language processing and AI-driven data analytics. The integration of AI with Internet of Things (IoT) and smart environments will allow AV systems to seamlessly adapt to the needs of the user, creating more holistic and adaptive collaboration spaces.
The cloud may also shift traditional Pro AV business models from hardware sales to subscription and as-a-service models, driven by AI-enabled offerings that can be continuously updated and personalized.
The Role of Cloud-Based Remote Management Tools
Cloud-based remote management tools are essential for decision-making and reducing operational complexity. Avocor integrates FUSE technology, a cloud-based remote management tool, into their displays for configuration, management, and analysis. With an open IP, FUSE easily integrates with your preferred Building Management System (BMS), reducing complexity and allowing managers to see all data from multiple technologies across campus in one single interface.
The Sustainability Agenda
The use of these tools is beneficial from a sustainability perspective as managers can use them remotely to gain usage insights into how displays are being used. This remote monitoring reduces the need for travel, contributing to a more sustainable work environment. These developing tools will also aid in tailoring technology to the appropriate meeting space, further reducing energy consumption.
The Shift Towards Hybrid Work
Remote working has led to the introduction of new meeting room layouts and an increase in the adoption of preferred UC platforms for hybrid meetings. With 30 AV/IT thought leaders discussing hybrid work in 2024 and 40 AV/IT companies being highlighted in the roadmap for 2024, it is clear that the Pro AV industry is embracing this shift.
Maureen Schmidt emphasizes that the convergence of AI and cloud technologies is pivotal for the evolution of Pro AV, driving more intelligent, user-centric, and easily manageable solutions that support the changing needs of modern workplaces.
Features such as improved video conferencing quality, automatic transcription, real-time translation, and intelligent camera framing, enabled by Artificial Intelligence (AI) and cloud technology, are revolutionizing collaboration in hybrid and remote work environments. Technology advancements in the Professional Audio-Visual (Pro AV) industry, driven by AI, will result in smarter and user-centric systems that anticipate user needs, optimize room usage, and enhance interaction.
