What is Wake Word Detection?
Wake word detection is the always on listening capability that activates a voice AI system when a specific trigger phrase is spoken. Common examples include "Hey Siri," "OK Google," and "Alexa." In enterprise voice AI, wake words are less common since calls are initiated deliberately, but they are used in hands free or ambient listening scenarios.
How Wake Word Detection works
Wake word detection runs a lightweight neural network model that continuously processes audio for a specific sound pattern. It must operate with extremely low latency (under 100ms), very low false positive rates (activating when the wake word was not spoken), and very low false negative rates (missing the wake word when spoken). The model runs on device to avoid sending continuous audio to the cloud.
Why Wake Word Detection matters for enterprise
Wake word detection is relevant for enterprise use cases like hands free warehouse operations, manufacturing floor assistants, and in vehicle voice systems. For standard telephony voice AI (inbound/outbound calls), wake words are not typically used since the call itself is the activation event.
How ARCA handles Wake Word Detection
ARCA primarily operates in telephony mode where wake words are not needed. The system activates when a call connects and begins listening immediately.
See how ARCA uses wake word detection in practice.
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