The first AI colleague for the workplace
The workplace of the future requires smart solutions. And those are increasingly coming from unexpected quarters. Alvero, specialist in the rental of office furniture, is launching an innovative AI tool this summer that could fundamentally change the way Workplace professionals work.
Robin Paul van Eck, Marketing Director at Alvero, talks about how collaboration with tech partner CM.com and a group of critical GenZ'ers led to the development of a smart digital colleague called 'Vero': "A practical partner for everyday use."
From chatbot to digital sparring partner
The desire to build a chatbot had been on Alvero's mind for some time, says Van Eck. "We operate in several countries, and we want to improve our digital customer contact. We felt that a standard chatbot, where you ask a question and get an answer, was not enough. We want interaction, context, and real support. From our core business we have daily contact with Workplace professionals. Partly for this reason, we now know very well what is going on in the work environment of all kinds of sectors. We want to share that knowledge. That's how we ended up with Agentic AI."
Agentic AI is a new generation of artificial intelligence that not only responds to input, but also acts proactively from context. "That's the big difference from traditional generative AI. An Agentic agent can perform tasks, make connections and learn from interactions. So this agent can really do something for you."
Active Thinking
The AI tool Alvero is now developing is aimed primarily at Workplace professionals, with a clear focus on the younger generation. "GenZ'ers are not so quick to call. They look for solutions independently, often online. But who do you contact as a facility manager when you are tasked with setting up hybrid workplaces? What if you don't even know that renting office furniture is an option at all?"
This is exactly where the strength of their new digital agent lies, according to Van Eck: "He actively thinks along with you. Not just about set-up or workplace issues, but soon also about product choices. Which options fit within your budget or schedule? Without getting a salesman on the phone right away. That lowers the threshold enormously."
Testing with GenZ: honest, critical, surprising
To make Vero a good fit with its target audience, Alvero worked with a group of young professionals. During a "pilot day" at CM.com under the inspiring leadership of GenZ expert Laura Bas. "What struck us was that they want clarity and concrete answers. And they don't mind at all that there is a company behind the tool. Indeed, that made it more reliable."
Also striking: although you would expect this generation to work primarily on mobile, the majority (eight out of 10) preferred the laptop. "They want overview, to be able to switch between screens, to look something up quickly. That's important for the tool's interface."
More than marketing
This development began from a marketing perspective, but Van Eck now sees much broader applications. "Our first agent is a sparring partner. The next upgrade should provide product information and eventually be able to retrieve order statuses or explain quotations. We are building toward a network of agents who transfer tasks to each other. That's the real Agentic piece."
In addition, the tool provides valuable insights. "We learn from the questions people ask. Those help us give better advice and sharpen our services. You're actually sitting at the table with a customer even before they themselves know they need something."
The future: flexible, sustainable, data-driven
The rise of AI goes hand in hand with other trends, Van Eck sees. "New generations want flexibility, convenience and sustainability. Possession is less important, use comes first. That's where our service - renting instead of buying - fits perfectly. This tool helps tell and realize that story."
Internally, the sentiment about this innovation is positive, although there is also healthy curiosity. "Many colleagues are wondering what it means for their work. That makes sense. But by involving them early on, we ensure support. And if the tool adds real value later on, the enthusiasm will naturally increase."
Soft launch, hard impact?
The next few months are going to be exciting. In June, Vero will go live in a soft launch. "Then we will test it on different platforms and collect feedback. In July, we will host a round table with rising stars in facility management. Their perspective on the role of AI in work environments can take us further again."
For Van Eck, it is clear: Vero should not necessarily become a lead machine, but primarily a valuable assistant. "If we can help people naturally with their daily challenges, to me that's already a success. It's building, learning and improving. We are only at the beginning."
Moving forward
With the introduction of Agentic AI, Alvero is showing that such innovations are also possible in a traditional B2B sector like office furniture rental. "I hope others will think: hey, interesting, why are they actually doing that? Maybe that's how we start a movement. Not only to smarter tools, but also to a more circular, flexible way of working."