An AI agent in a security badge? That’s Microsoft’s Project Solara pitch

AI agents will soon be everywhere, we’re told, but where exactly? Clearly they’re in the cloud, on our desktop PCs, and even on our phones, but they could also live on other devices, like smart speakers, glasses, and perhaps, even a smart security badge.

That’s the idea behind Project Solara, Microsoft’s new platform for putting AI agents in a wide range of devices beyond the standard form factors. But in a larger sense, Project Solara (which Microsoft unveiled during its Build conference on Tuesday) hints at a future where AI agents are seeping into the physical world in ways we hadn’t previously imagined.

As for Project Solara itself, it’s being described as an “OS for AI agents” that would streamline the process of building AI into purpose-specific workplace devices. The platform incorporates a variety of Microsoft technologies designed to boost security, allow for IT administration, and incorporate other business and enterprise-level functionality.

That’s the boring stuff. Where Project Solara gets more interesting is with a pair of concept ideas that Microsoft shared during its Build briefing–one fairly conventional, and one that’s more out-of-the-box.

The first Solara concept device is essentially a smart speaker, complete with an Alexa Show-style shell and touchscreen that lets you see the status of your agents, speak with them, and otherwise interact with them. There’s also Hello for Business authentication to ensure only the right users can chat with your agents. Interesting, but not completely unexpected.

The second concept is a bit more thought provoking: a smart security badge with a touchscreen that can show either your name and face (in its standard badge mode) or a list of agents, which you could summon with a tap. 

Microsoft

The Solara badge concept boasts a camera and microphone, allowing your agent to scan a barcode, speak with you, or record conversations. The badge would also boast a fingerprint scanner for Windows Hello authentication and 5G cellular connectivity. There’s even a lanyard for clipping the badge to your belt or coat pocket.

The Project Solana documentation includes imagery that alludes to other form factors, running the gamut from the expected, like smart glasses and watches, to more fantastical devices like rings and barcode scanner guns. 

What other gadgets, portable and otherwise, might AI agents wind up in? Good question, and I’m sure product designers and AI-minded entrepreneurs will come up with plenty of creative answers.

I also wonder if purpose-build devices with AI agents inside would expand their roles from helping employees do their jobs to doing more invasive things, like tracking their productivity. I don’t see why not, unfortunately.