Inside WebexOne 2025: virtual baristas, agentic AI, and the future of collaboration

Each year, Cisco’s annual conference, WebexOne, offers a glimpse into where workplace collaboration is heading next. The conference, which took place in San Diego, California in early October, brings together AV specialists, IT leaders, customers and innovators for a first look at the technologies shaping the future of communication.

From major platform upgrades to emerging AI capabilities, the event has become a launchpad for breakthroughs that redefine how teams connect, create and collaborate. This year was no exception and AV experts ET Group were on the ground to report on the latest innovations presented at the four-day conference.

Beyond the keynotes presentations and demonstrations of upcoming features in the Cisco suite, WebexOne also showcased new devices, tech innovations and use cases. Here are some of the popular standouts:

Quiet Cubes

Starring the Cisco DeskPro and Webex AI Agent, Quiet Cubes allow users to streamline and quickly complete both basic and complex tasks such as managing their bank account or booking a medical appointment with voice activated AI. Think of it like your own version of Iron Man’s J.A.R.V.I.S., that enables you to have human-like conversation, detecting and understanding the context of your inquiries, responses, vocal cues and more.

These pods also offer privacy and security, so you can discuss your personal information without worrying about eavesdroppers or stolen data.

AI Barista

If attendees needed a refreshment while exploring the show floor, they could order from the Webex Café via the Voice AI Barista. All you had to do was call the café from your phone, from anywhere in the venue, and order the same way you would as if speaking to a person at the counter or at a drive thru. The AI agent was able to understand order modifications, casual lingo and catch any last-minute corrections if you changed your mind or misspoke.

The AI could also communicate any menu changes or time sensitive information regarding your order.

Build-Your-Own AI

Cisco also had a booth showcasing the AI Agent Studio (accessible in the Webex Control Hub) where anyone could design and implement their own AI Agent – no engineering degree needed. Through simple prompting and information, the studio enables users to personalise their AI Agent to meet their exact needs.

Desk Phone 9800 Series

Designed to enhance Webex Calling, the new Cisco Desk Phone 9800 Series leverages AI to provide voice call transcriptions alongside one-touch meeting join, hot-desking and customisable quick action buttons to speed up time sensitive activities such as calling emergency services, or making company announcements.

These devices also offer best-in-class security and authentication, so they can be trusted to be used for even the most confidential of conversations, ideal for customers in government, finance or healthcare organisations.

Staying connected

Since returning from the event, the ET Group team has continued to stay in touch with new connections and access exclusive content from WebexOne’s comprehensive conference app, featuring the Webex AI Concierge. The app was key to the experience, keeping participants informed about event schedules, wayfinding, learning materials, key contacts and other ongoing communications.

As the dust settles on another WebexOne, Cisco is continuing to accelerate the shift towards a more intelligent, intuitive and human-centred collaboration ecosystem. From conversational AI that handles everyday tasks to next-generation devices designed for security, accessibility and ease, this year’s innovations point to a future in which workplace technology works in the background to anticipate needs, simplify complexity and connect people more seamlessly than ever.