Grok Bot: AI that can make calls and hold

Grok Bot now has the new ability to make phone calls on behalf of users, allowing the AI assistant to relay requests, hold, and navigate through menus. This goes beyond a simple chatbot interaction; Grok Bot can actually engage in a conversation with a third party and convey the posed question properly. After the conversation, the assistant also provides a summary, keeping users informed about the content.

This functionality is an interesting step in the development of AI agents, which are increasingly capable of taking over repetitive tasks from users. The ability to follow along with a live transcript during the conversation makes it even easier for a user to keep track of the progress without actively participating.

The calling feature of Grok Bot, as described in the announcement, allows users to easily request information. For example, if someone wants to inquire about the status of an order at a company, the bot can handle the conversation and note the relevant information for the user. This is particularly useful for calls with long wait times, although there is currently little clarity on how users can intervene in the conversation or request adjustments.

Despite the valuable functionality, questions remain about the actual implementation of Grok Bot. The announcement of version 0.77 does not clarify which countries or languages are supported, and whether the bot can also function in Dutch. There is also a lack of information regarding how Grok Bot introduces itself to the conversation partner and what consent is required before acting on behalf of the user. This raises important considerations about the control and responsibilities of AI systems acting on behalf of people.

Read the full article from AI Insider.