> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.intellixent.ai/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# What is an AI assistant?

> What an AI assistant is, its key components, and how it automates your phone interactions.

An **AI assistant** (sometimes called an agent) is your configurable bot that speaks with customers or leads over the phone — either when they call you (inbound) or when your system calls them (outbound).

## Why use an AI assistant?

* **Automate common interactions:** Answer FAQs, book appointments, or qualify leads 24/7.
* **Reduce workload:** Free your human team from repetitive tasks like verifying contact information or taking messages.
* **Scale effortlessly:** One assistant can handle many simultaneous calls, so you grow without adding more agents.

## Key components

Every AI assistant is made up of four core elements:

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="System prompt" icon="brain" href="/ai-assistants/system-prompt">
    The core instructions that define how your assistant behaves, what it knows, and how it speaks.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Initial message" icon="message-dots" href="/ai-assistants/assistant-configuration">
    The very first phrase the AI says — especially critical for making a good first impression on inbound calls.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Voice settings" icon="microphone" href="/ai-assistants/voice-selection">
    Choose a built-in voice from the library or clone your own for a consistent brand sound.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Tools (optional)" icon="screwdriver-wrench" href="/ai-assistants/tools-and-functions">
    Add capabilities like call transfer, call ending, appointment scheduling, or custom API integrations.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

## How to create an assistant

<Steps>
  <Step title="Go to Assistants">
    In the sidebar, navigate to **Assistants** and click **Create Assistant**.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Choose call direction">
    Select **Inbound** (answers calls) or **Outbound** (makes calls). This affects which configuration options are available.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Set up your system prompt">
    Write the instructions that guide your assistant's behavior, or start from a template.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Configure a voice">
    Pick a built-in voice or clone your own from the voice settings.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Add tools">
    Enable built-in tools (transfer, end call, scheduling) or connect custom API tools as needed.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Test your assistant">
    Use the browser-based web call or make a real phone call to verify everything works before going live.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Next steps

* Read [assistant modes](/ai-assistants/assistant-modes) to pick the right voice processing engine.
* Explore [tools and functions](/ai-assistants/tools-and-functions) to see what capabilities you can give your assistant.
* Check [testing your assistant](/ai-assistants/testing) to validate your setup before launch.