Alva

About

The objective was to develop a concept for a new reception area in the entrance hall of KEBA Group AG, with a strong emphasis on a competent and professional appearance. KEBA develops standalone AI modules, which are to be showcased in the form of a humanoid AI assistant. At the same time, the working conditions of the reception staff must be respected. Accordingly, the relationship between the AI assistant and the physical receptionist must be carefully considered.

Goal

Our goal was to develop a concept that goes beyond simply displaying a humanoid AI on a screen. Instead, we aimed to leverage the full potential of the Keba reception hall. Given the area's glass roof and high ceilings, our objective was to create a statue like installation that provides a dedicated space for both the receptionist and the AI.

Outcome

Alva is a digital reception assistant that optimally utilizes the spatial potential of KEBA’s entrance hall and seamlessly integrates into the company’s welcoming culture. The ground-level setup features a reception desk and a dedicated area for the display. These zones are clearly separated, ensuring the employee maintains a comfortable and spacious workspace. Through two fabric elements suspended from the ceiling, which can be illuminated individually, attention can be dynamically switched between Alva and the receptionist depending on the specific use case.

2024
cooperation project with KEBA Group AG
digital reception assistant
Team Partner: Clemens Friedl, Thomas Kaser
University of applied Arts Linz

Testing

With the help of Gravity Sketch, we were able to get a sense for proportions of various quick 3D Sketches in 1:1 scale. We used a 3D scan of the entrance hall for this purpose.
To get a better sense for the proportions of the display and the AI-generated assistant, we used a projector and three displays. This allowed us to take measurements and gather insights.

Findings

Usage Scenario: Job Interview

In a job interview scenario, which usually takes place during regular business hours, a human receptionist is typically present. Lighting is used to direct the visitor's focus to the reception desk, while Alva remains inactive.

Usage Scenario: Postman

However, since couriers often arrive after hours when the front desk is unstaffed, Alva can step in to handle deliveries. She instructs the courier on where to leave the packages, again using light to guide them.

The design is guided by the spatial conditions of the KEBA reception hall and supports intuitive use. The counter, combined with a panel used as a visual backdrop, integrates Alva harmoniously into the environment while maintaining optimal working conditions for the reception staff. A complementary form suspended from the ceiling enhances the architectural integration and, through targeted lighting control, guides user interaction.