Cisco's new AI hologram agent is a game-changer for retail.

Key Concepts

• AI-based Application/Chatbot: An artificial intelligence powered interface for interaction, in this case, simulating a human representative.
• Hologram Representation: A visual projection creating the illusion of a physical person.
• Small Language Model (SLM): A type of AI model designed for specific tasks, requiring less computational power than larger models.
• Cisco Unified Edge Platform: Cisco’s platform designed to support retail applications, including AI-powered solutions.
• Retail Transformation: The process of modernizing retail operations through technology.

AI-Powered Holographic Chatbot Demo

This demonstration showcases an AI-based application utilizing a chatbot interface presented through a holographic representation of a person physically present at the conference. The individual, identified as “Kaye,” has been digitally scanned to create this holographic projection. The core functionality revolves around voice-based interaction, enabling users to pose questions and receive responses.

The application’s intelligence is driven by a Small Language Model (SLM). This is a crucial detail, as the presenter explicitly states the model is not a large language model, implying a focus on efficiency and targeted functionality rather than broad conversational ability. Importantly, this SLM is running directly on the Cisco Unified Edge Platform. This highlights the platform’s capability to host and execute AI workloads locally.

Retail Application & Use Case

The primary application scenario presented is within a retail environment. The use case focuses on improving customer service. The presenter explains that when a customer enters a store and requires assistance – whether finding a product or seeking a solution to a problem – this AI-powered interface offers a “more personable way of interfacing with the technology” compared to traditional methods. This suggests a focus on enhancing the customer experience through a more human-like interaction.

Functionality Demonstration & Response Example

A direct question was posed to the holographic representation: “Hey, Kaye, uh, what can you tell me about the Cisco Unified Edge?” Kaye responded with a pre-defined, yet informative, answer: “The Cisco Unified Edge platform is designed to support your retail transformation journey. It provides a flexible platform for your existing physical store applications and powers new AI applications.”

This response illustrates the platform’s dual role: supporting existing retail infrastructure and enabling the deployment of new AI-driven applications. The phrase “retail transformation journey” emphasizes the broader strategic goal of leveraging technology to modernize retail operations.

Technical Infrastructure & Platform Capabilities

The demonstration underscores the Cisco Unified Edge Platform’s ability to function as a host for AI applications. The fact that the SLM is running on the platform, rather than relying on cloud-based processing, suggests benefits related to latency, data privacy, and potentially cost-effectiveness. The platform is described as “flexible,” indicating its adaptability to various retail application needs.

Synthesis & Main Takeaways

The demonstration highlights a practical application of AI in retail, specifically leveraging a holographic chatbot powered by a Small Language Model running on Cisco’s Unified Edge platform. The key takeaway is the potential for creating more engaging and personalized customer experiences while utilizing edge computing to efficiently deploy and manage AI solutions within a retail environment. The focus on a SLM suggests a pragmatic approach, prioritizing targeted functionality and efficient resource utilization over the complexities of larger, more general-purpose AI models.