How to Set Up Voice AI Agents Using LiveKit + Twilio (Step by Step Guide)

Summary

This video provides a step-by-step guide to setting up a LifeKit AI agent on your local computer and connecting it with Twilio for inbound phone calls. The tutorial walks through creating accounts for OpenAI, Deepgram, Cartisia, LifeKit, Twilio, and Cursor, generating API keys, and configuring environment variables. It covers installing Python packages, setting up virtual environments, creating and running agent scripts, and integrating Twilio phone numbers with SIP trunks for inbound call handling. The guide also explains customizing the agent's prompts, switching models or text-to-speech services, and optional features like call transcripts, offering a comprehensive, hands-on tutorial for building a functional AI assistant.

Takeaways

• 😀 You'll need accounts for OpenAI, Deepgram, Cartisia, LifeKit, Twilio, and Cursor to complete the setup.
• 😀 The process starts with collecting and saving API keys from OpenAI, Deepgram, and Cartisia into a text file.
• 😀 Cursor is essential for managing the Python environment and installing necessary packages for the project.
• 😀 The Python virtual environment isolates the installation of packages, preventing conflicts with global installations.
• 😀 After setting up the environment, you'll configure your API keys in an `.env` file to protect sensitive data.
• 😀 Cartisia handles text-to-speech, OpenAI powers the language model, and Deepgram transcribes voice input.
• 😀 Creating a `agent.py` file and configuring it with the correct API keys is an important setup step for your agent.
• 😀 Running the agent involves entering commands in the terminal, where errors can be troubleshot using Cursor's chat feature.
• 😀 Twilio is used to connect your LifeKit agent to a phone number, allowing for inbound calls to your agent.
• 😀 Configuring SIP trunks in Twilio and LifeKit is necessary to route inbound calls to your agent through the correct channels.
• 😀 The final step involves running the phone agent through the terminal and testing the call functionality with a phone call.
• 😀 There are additional customizations you can make to the agent, including changing the model, prompt, or text-to-speech service.

Q & A

What are the key accounts needed for this setup?

You need to create accounts for OpenAI, Deepgram, Cartisia, LifeKit, Twilio, and Cursor. These are all essential for connecting everything together and getting the system working.

Why is it important to create a virtual environment in Python?

A virtual environment helps keep all the necessary Python packages contained within a specific folder for this project, avoiding conflicts with other global Python installations or projects on your computer.

What does the 'dot env' file do in this setup?

The '.env' file stores sensitive environmental variables like API keys for different services. It ensures that these keys are kept secure and are not exposed in the code.

What role does the Cartisia API play in this project?

Cartisia is used as the text-to-speech model. It converts text generated by the OpenAI language model into speech so the agent can respond audibly.

What is the purpose of using Twilio in this project?

Twilio is used to handle the inbound phone calls. It connects the phone number to the LifeKit setup, allowing you to interact with the AI agent via phone.

What is the significance of setting up SIP trunks in LifeKit and Twilio?

SIP trunks enable the transfer of voice data between LifeKit and Twilio. Setting them up allows inbound calls from Twilio to be routed to LifeKit, where the AI agent can respond.

How does LifeKit process incoming calls?

When an inbound call is received, LifeKit uses a dispatch rule to connect the call to the telephone agent, which is set up to handle the communication between the caller and the AI.

What should you do if you encounter errors while installing the necessary packages?

If you run into issues during installation, you can use the 'Add to chat' feature in Cursor or consult the error logs. Sometimes, additional installations like CSI, CP may be needed to resolve certain issues.

What is the 'agent partner.py' file, and how is it used?

The 'agent partner.py' file contains the main logic and code for the AI agent. You paste specific code into this file to set up the agent's functionality, including its responses and how it handles phone calls.

What should you do after setting up everything to test the system?

Once everything is set up, you can test the system by calling the Twilio number on your phone. If everything is configured correctly, you will be able to speak with the AI agent and receive responses.