Bee'ah, a Sharjah-based integrated environment and waste management company, has joined hands with its technology partner Evoteq to launch the UAE’s first advanced artificial intelligence (AI) platform for offices of the future.

A pioneer in sustainability in the Middle East, Bee’ah said the platform was developed by its digital unit with the support of the Higher Committee for the Digital Transformation of Sharjah.

It will help digitally transform offices and operations to maximise productivity, business excellence and sustainable practices, according to a statement from the company.

Inspired by Bee’ah’s mission of improving quality of life through innovation, the unique system will be deployed in its pilot phase in 2019, at the company’s new headquarters; following which, it will be made available to governments and the public, it added.

Utilising a hybrid of cutting-edge sensors, interfaces, algorithms and processing power, the SaaS-based (Software as a Service) platform will have its own persona and voice-activated interface making it easy to interact with to simplify the most complex of tasks.

It will seamlessly integrate into existing work environments and aid users to function at an optimised, accelerated rate by streamlining day-to-day tasks and all business operations.

Through machine learning and innovative features such as facial recognition, it will engage with visitors and unlock smart functions that offer guidance, book appointments, document information, review staff duties, reallocate resources and auto-fill applications adding a personal element to the way governments and businesses operate, said the statement.

In keeping with the UAE strategy for AI, the revolutionary platform will facilitate the nation’s transition from e-governments to AI-powered government systems. Government employees will also avail of a vast array of smart integrated services, such as frictionless access to office premises using facial recognition, it added.

"As we adopt innovative technologies that allow employees to work smarter, communicate effectively, and stay productive, we recognise the importance of AI and automation in ensuring the long-term future of our government services," said Sheikh Fahim bin Sultan Al Qasimi, the executive chairman of the Department of Government Relations and chairman of the Higher Committee for the Digital Transformation of Sharjah.

"The world-class AI platform propels Sharjah towards the forefront of the AI and data revolution at an exponential rate. With this system, there are limitless possibilities for enriching businesses and improving the quality of life for citizens," he added.

Prior to its large-scale roll-out, the AI system will be fully deployed at Bee’ah’s new futuristic headquarters, making it the first fully AI integrated building in the Middle East.

Designed by renowned Zaha Hadid Architects, the iconic structure will be the office of the future; using technology to advance office productivity, streamlining communications, enabling fully sustainable operations while being powered by 100 per cent renewable energy and achieving the highest Leed (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification for green buildings.

In addition to providing a safe, healthy and secure work environment for Bee’ah’s personnel, the system will provide a futuristic experience for visitors. It will undertake the entire visitor concierge experience, via robots; hosting meetings and supporting multimedia tasks, while ensuring functional ambiance according to sustainability parameters.

Bee’ah Group CEO Khaled Al Huraime said: "Innovation has always been central to everything Bee’ah does, and we have used technology and innovation to spearhead our growth. Our AI system is being developed to create offices of the future that enable faster, better and more sustainable workplaces."

"It effectively automates data collection, logistics, and other business functions while monitoring factors like energy consumption. In addition to enhancing the smart capabilities of our headquarters, we believe this system, once rolled out, will have a tangible impact on the operations of governments and entities across the region," he added.-TradeArabia News Service