The robot arm with puppy dog ​​eyes is one of Lenovo’s desktop AI concepts

Along with a few new laptop concepts (and a bunch of real products too), Lenovo used MWC to announce a pair of companion AI-based productivity concepts. Both are standalone office machines designed to boost productivity while providing office workers with a little artificial companionship.

Lenovo describes its AI Workmate concept as an “always-on desk companion,” but it looks like a small robotic arm on a swivel base with a bulging screen at the end that displays an expressive pair of eyes. It doesn’t look as engaging as a human co-worker, but with local AI processing, you can interact with the device like a smart assistant via voice commands and physical gestures.

The Workmate concept can also help with “practical business tasks.” Below its screen is a camera that can be used to scan notes and documents to create summaries, organize your ideas, or automatically turn them into presentations. And when it’s time to share with others, the Workmate Concept also includes a projector that can project documents onto your desk or a nearby wall.

Lenovo’s AI Work Companion concept takes a different approach to AI assistance. It looks like a big-screen bedside alarm clock, but instead of waking you up, it leverages artificial intelligence to “sync tasks and schedules across user devices to create a balanced daily plan.” To help prevent burnout, Work Buddy monitors screen time and suggests taking breaks throughout the day, along with fun interactions with animated faces, and weekend celebrations with reports on completed tasks.

It also works as a docking station, connecting the laptop to multiple displays via HDMI and provides plenty of USB ports to keep other devices charged while reducing desktop clutter.