Voice Agent

A voice agent is an AI agent that speaks and listens in real time — handling phone calls, voice support, drive-throughs, or any voice-first interaction.

Voice agents combine speech-to-text, an LLM, and text-to-speech in a low-latency loop. The 2026 generation is fast enough to feel conversational (~300ms turn-taking) and good enough to handle most tier-1 phone support, appointment booking, and outbound qualifying calls.

Example

An AI voice agent picks up the dental practice's phones, books appointments, takes payment, and only routes to humans when callers say 'agent' or describe a clinical issue.

How OpenLabor uses it

OpenLabor offers voice as a channel for support and SDR employees — same employee, different surface.

Will callers be told it's AI?

Yes. Disclosure at call start is best practice and required in many jurisdictions.

Related: ai-support-rep, tool-use.

AI Labor Glossary