Cisco introduces AI agents to revolutionize workplace collaboration

At Webex One 2025 in San Diego, Cisco introduced its Connected Intelligence framework, a visionary approach to workplace collaboration that integrates AI agents as digital teammates. These agents aim to automate routine tasks, manage workflows, and facilitate inter-agent communications, marking a significant shift in how employees interact with technology.

AI Agents Enter the Workforce

Cisco's announcement highlighted a suite of specialized AI agents designed to streamline workplace processes:

• Task Agent: Generates action items from meeting transcripts, eliminating manual follow-ups.
• Notetaker Agent: Captures real-time transcriptions and summaries of impromptu meetings.
• Polling Agent: Recommends live polls during meetings to boost engagement.
• Meeting Scheduler: Identifies when follow-ups are needed and autonomously schedules them.
• AI Receptionist: Handles routine inquiries, transfers calls, and schedules appointments for Webex Calling.

Snorre Kjesbu, senior VP of collaboration at Cisco, emphasized the value of AI co-workers participating in meetings.

A Decade-Long Investment in AI

Cisco's collaboration leadership credits its early investment in AI as a competitive advantage. A decade ago, the company partnered with Nvidia to embed AI capabilities in meeting room devices. This foresight has resulted in a "full library of algorithms" that now power advanced features like:

• Director Agent: Autonomously adjusts camera views for cinematic meeting experiences.
• Audio Zones: Define digital boundaries for AI-powered Ceiling Mic Pro.
• Workspace Advisor Agent: Creates a 3D "digital twin" of physical meeting spaces for optimization.

Breaking Down Data Silos

Cisco adopts an open ecosystem approach, integrating with enterprise applications like Microsoft 365 Copilot, Salesforce, and Jira. The Cisco AI Assistant can search across multiple knowledge repositories and perform tasks in third-party apps without leaving Webex.

"Collaboration shouldn’t be viewed in a very transactional manner," said Amit Barave, VP of product management for Webex. "You have a treasure trove of insights if you use it well with the collaboration experience overall."