Live AI Workplace Research Agent – LAWR(a) v0.1

Live AI Workplace Research Agent – LAWR(a) v0.1 is the first functional prototype of a live conversational AI agent developed in the ERRL lab for immersive workplace-research education in virtual reality. Built on the VizardVR framework, the system integrates real-time speech interaction through Deepgram Nova 3 speech-to-text, local response generation via Ollama qwen2.5:7b, and natural spoken output using ElevenLabs Eleven Turbo v2.5. LAWR(a) is designed as an embodied professor-avatar that mimics the workplace-research knowledge profile of Marko Orel, with particular focus on knowledge work, remote and hybrid work, post-pandemic workplace transformation, boundary management, attention fragmentation, digital fatigue, and the contextual nature of productivity. Although still an early 0.1v technical build, the prototype already demonstrates the potential of immersive AI teachers as pedagogical research instruments: students can engage in situated dialogue inside a VR environment, not only receiving explanations about workplace change, but experiencing how space, technology, interruptions, and environmental conditions shape learning, attention, and work performance.

LAWR(a) v0.1 is being bult by Leire Cartagena, ERRL’s technical lead, and Marko Orel, ERRL’s academic director.