Overview:
Astra Tech, a UAE-based technology group and operator of the botim app, integrated Microsoft’s Azure AI Foundry Voice Live API to transform its communication and fintech platform into a voice-first user experience. The goal was to simplify access to digital services—including remittances, wallet transactions, and identity verification—especially for users with limited digital literacy or language skills. The solution leverages real-time conversational AI to replace complex menu navigation with natural voice commands.
The implementation spans communication, payments, and digital services, supporting millions of users in a multilingual environment with compliance, data sovereignty, and security aligned to UAE regulations. Azure AI Foundry serves as the foundational AI platform, while Azure AI Speech and Azure AI Content Safety support voice interaction and responsible use.
Key Features:
- Integrates Voice Live API from Azure AI Foundry to enable real-time speech-to-speech conversational workflows.
- Supports multilingual voice interactions for users across diverse language backgrounds.
- Guides users through multi-step financial tasks (e.g., remittance, identity verification) via conversational flows.
- Includes advanced voice activity detection and noise control for clarity in noisy environments.
- Connects AI voice assistant securely to botim’s backend services using middleware.
- Delivers scalable AI experiences with high availability and low latency.
Results & Impact:
- Achieved strong user engagement, with 3.6 million total users and 100,000 daily active users for botim AI voice features.
- Wallet transaction volume grew 375 % following voice-enabled enhancements.
- Remittance volumes are projected to exceed AED 10 billion in 2025, supported by the voice assistant’s adoption.
- Provided intuitive voice access to financial services, lowering barriers for users with limited digital skills.
- Maintained platform reliability at 99.99 % uptime across peak demand periods.
AI Technology:
AI Model Types: Real-time generative AI models including GPT-Realtime (via Voice Live API in Azure AI Foundry).
AI Purpose: Enable conversational interaction, speech-to-speech translation, and task execution within the app.
Application Type: Customer experience automation and user interface enhancement in fintech and communication services.
Target Users:
- End users of the botim app (millions across the UAE, including non-technical users).
- Product and engineering teams at Astra Tech building and maintaining voice-driven services.
- Customer support and service designers focused on digital inclusion.
- Regulatory and compliance teams ensuring safe deployment of voice AI.
Sources:
- microsoft.com/en/customers/story/25412-astra-tech-azure-ai-foundry