February 2025

Artificial intelligence is changing numerous industries, and customer service is no exception. Today, more companies are considering a virtual AI agent to manage front desk operations, and the benefits are real for large and small businesses alike. Traditionally, businesses had to hire real people to attend to every call, and even with the investment, there was always a risk of missing a valuable call. Companies like Signpost are now offering AI receptionists, which have numerous advantages. In this guide, let’s talk in detail about the various aspects. 

How do AI receptionists work? 

Most AI models are based on advanced natural language processing (NLP) and machine learning. Companies are also deploying speech synthesis to ensure the overall response is as human and conversational as possible. AI is being trained on datasets, and an AI receptionist can process the input and analyze the intent and language. Based on the initial information, the agent can then access information from the knowledge base to offer accurate and precise responses. AI receptionists can do a wide range of things, from attending regular customer calls to taking appointments and bookings. If required, the system can automatically direct the user to the relevant customer care agent. 

Benefits of using AI receptionists

The most obvious advantage of using an AI receptionist is ensuring availability. No matter what time a customer calls, they will get a response, even when the real agents are out of the office. The cost of AI receptionists is also significantly lower, and service providers usually charge on a monthly basis. The package depends on whether you have a large call volume or if the calls are usually of a longer duration. With AI, it is also possible to scale your operations efficiently without spending on staffing. 

Are AI receptionists good for small businesses?

While large businesses with bigger call volumes are the first to use AI receptionists, small businesses can enjoy similar benefits. Firstly, smaller companies can benefit from reduced overheads and the extensive work that goes into hiring front desk receptionists. The core team can focus on more critical aspects, and if required, the AI voice agent can always transfer the call to someone who needs more help or is having a serious problem. 

Elevate your customer experience 

Another reason to use an AI receptionist is to improve the quality of the overall services you offer to customers. When someone calls your office, they will get an answer, and the prompt response of the AI receptionist ensures calls never go to voicemail. AI responses are also accurate and aligned, and there are fewer chances of human errors. 

Should you get away with your real front desk receptionists?

Probably that is not the best idea. Instead, consider blending the best of both options. Using an AI receptionist ensures you always have help and don’t have to bother about your staff leaving the desk. On the other hand, real receptionists can continue to handle more complex issues or matters that need human intervention. Today, more companies are choosing the model as it helps keep costs in check without compromising on customer service. 

More business, better competitive edge

Having an AI receptionist shows that your business cares and happy customers will bring more business and recommend the company further. A virtual front desk also gives you a competitive edge, where you can continue to receive calls and capture all leads instead of callers looking for alternatives when calls go unanswered. 

Check online to find top-rated AI receptionists, and before you choose one, always look at features, pricing, and uptime. You want to be sure the service provider allows you to control responses and scripts. 

The United States semiconductor landscape is undergoing a monumental transformation as TSMC Arizona receives a groundbreaking $6.6 billion federal grant, announced by the Department of Commerce in November 2024. This substantial investment, part of the bipartisan CHIPS and Science Act, signals a decisive move to reestablish America’s position as a global leader in advanced chip manufacturing.

The scope of this initiative extends far beyond the initial grant. TSMC Arizona has committed to a remarkable $65 billion investment in northern Phoenix. This commitment represents the most substantial foreign direct investment ever made in a U.S. greenfield project, complemented by an additional $5 billion in federal loans. The project’s economic impact promises to be transformative. Projections indicate the creation of 6,000 permanent positions across the three planned fabrication facilities and more than 20,000 construction jobs during development.

The first facility entered high-volume production in Q4 2024, marking a watershed moment for American technology manufacturing. This achievement will end decades of dependence on overseas production for the most sophisticated semiconductor components. The timing proves crucial, as the United States currently produces only 10% of the world’s semiconductors, dramatically declining from its previous 40% market share.

The three planned facilities will serve distinct technological needs in the semiconductor landscape. The initial plant will harness TSMC’s N4 process technology, primarily serving the smartphone industry’s demands. Following this, a second facility scheduled for 2028 will employ advanced N3 and N2 process technologies, focusing on chip production for data centers that power sophisticated computing applications. The third and most advanced facility, announced with the federal grant, will manufacture A16 chips and implement groundbreaking 2nm technology, pushing the boundaries of semiconductor capabilities by the decade’s conclusion.

The project has already demonstrated promising results, with early production metrics from the first facility surpassing those of TSMC’s Taiwan-based operations. This success has contributed to TSMC’s strong financial performance, with the company reporting a 14.3% sequential revenue increase and achieving a 59% gross margin in Q4 2024.

TSMC Arizona’s commitment extends beyond manufacturing excellence to environmental stewardship, as demonstrated by plans for an on-site industrial water reclamation facility. This initiative aligns with the company’s sustainability goals, targeting a minimum 90% water recycling rate across operations.

The project exemplifies the broader success of the CHIPS for America program, which has distributed over $10 billion across 20 states since its inception in August 2022. With total proposed funding exceeding $36 billion, the program focuses on strengthening American technology infrastructure through research, development, and workforce advancement investments, particularly in emerging fields such as quantum computing and nanotechnology.

TSMC chairman and CEO Dr. C.C. Wei characterizes the project as a testament to collaborative innovation, highlighting the strategic partnerships between the company and its network of customers, suppliers, and partners. Wei has emphasized that TSMC expects 2025 to be another strong growth year, forecasting revenue to increase by close to mid-20% in U.S. dollar terms.

The development timeline reflects steady progress, with significant milestones already achieved. The project has maintained forward momentum following the 2020 announcement and $12 billion commitment. In December 2022, crucial chipmaking equipment was installed, and the second facility was announced. By February 2024, the second fabrication plant reached its structural completion milestone, followed two months later by the announcement of the third facility.

This comprehensive initiative through TSMC Arizona represents more than just industrial expansion; it signifies a strategic realignment of American technological capabilities. As these facilities progress toward full operational status, they will help advance the nation’s position in global semiconductor production while supporting TSMC’s expanding advanced technology portfolio, which now accounts for 74% of wafer revenue.

The project is a testament to the potential of public-private partnerships in rebuilding critical manufacturing capabilities and ensuring America’s technological sovereignty in the decades ahead.