The Evolution from Interactive Voice Response (IVR) Systems to Intelligent Conversational AI Voicebots
Keywords:
Interactive Voice Response systems, AI-driven conversational interfaces, intelligent voicebots, automated speech recognition, semantic language processing, customer interaction automation, human–machine communicationAbstract
The paper explores the structural and procedural reorientation from conventional Interactive Voice Response (IVR) mechanisms toward advanced conversational AI voicebots within the sphere of customer support, where the impetus for the study is rooted in the escalating influence of speech-based automation tools on international communicative practices and operational models in business. The research presents an integrative overview of scholarly insights and empirical findings, which collectively illustrate the way artificial intelligence, semantic interpretation of natural language, and vocal interface technologies reconfigure user engagement patterns and transform service interactions. This investigation retraces the transformation trajectory of IVR infrastructures, pinpoints the underlying stimuli for implementing AI-centric tools, and examines jurisdictional and territorial distinctions that emerge in diverse rollout strategies across regions. A focused exploration is conducted into how contemporary voicebots incorporate machine learning techniques, utilize data-driven analytical frameworks, and operate through dynamically adjustable dialogue systems capable of adapting to user behavior and intent. The primary objective is to dissect prevailing patterns, assess functional advantages, and uncover technological constraints tied to this shift, employing comparative evaluation, critical examination of existing literature, and interpretation of practice-oriented documentation. The concluding section presents reflections on the operational viability, encountered complexities, and overarching global ramifications of embedding AI-powered speech agents into digital service ecosystems, offering a valuable foundation for academics, system architects, and industry professionals working at the intersection of artificial intelligence and service infrastructure optimization.
References
[1]. Coman, E. (2025). IVR systems used in call center management: A scientometric analysis of the literature. Frontiers in Computer Science, 7. https://doi.org/10.3389/fcomp.2025.1459787
[2]. Al-Kfairy, M., Mustafa, D., Al-Adaileh, A., Zriqat, S., & Sendaba, O. (2024). User acceptance of AI voice assistants in Jordan’s telecom industry. Computers in Human Behavior Reports, 16, 100521. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chbr.2024.100521
[3]. Inam, I., Azeta, U., & Daramola, O. (2017). Comparative analysis and review of interactive voice response systems. In Proceedings of the 2017 Conference on Information Communication Technology and Society (ICTAS) (pp. 1–6). IEEE. https://doi.org/10.1109/ICTAS.2017.7920660
[4]. Shaikh, K. M., & Giannakopoulos, G. (2024). Evolution of IVR building techniques: From code writing to AI-powered automation. arXiv. https://doi.org/10.48550/ARXIV.2411.10895
[5]. Singh, P. (2022). AI-powered IVR and chat: A new era in telecom troubleshooting. Zenodo, 2, 143–185. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.14989179
[6]. Blackader, B., Buesing, E., Amar, J., & Raabe, J., with Mehndiratta, M., & Gupta, V. (2025, March 19). The contact center crossroads: Finding the right mix of humans and AI. McKinsey & Company. https://www.mckinsey.com/capabilities/operations/our-insights/the-contact-center-crossroads-finding-the-right-mix-of-humans-and-ai
[7]. Gartner. (2022, August 31). Gartner predicts conversational AI will reduce contact center agent labor costs by $80 billion in 2026. Gartner Newsroom. https://www.gartner.com/en/newsroom/press-releases/2022-08-31-gartner-predicts-conversational-ai-will-reduce-contac
[8]. Wang, L., Huang, N., Hong, Y., Liu, L., Guo, X., & Chen, G. (2023). Voice‐based AI in call center customer service: A natural field experiment. Production and Operations Management, 32. https://doi.org/10.1111/poms.13953
Downloads
Published
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2025 Udit Joshi

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.
Authors who submit papers with this journal agree to the following terms.