voice response unit (IN) (VRU)

A Voice Response Unit (VRU) is a component in IVR systems that automates the answering of requests.

The caller enters into a voice dialog with the IVR system (Interactive Voice Response). The Voice Response Unit, which is functionally equivalent to an Audio Response Unit( ARU), acts as an interactive response system, greeting the caller, requesting his or her access data and guiding him or her through the menu. The caller can make his request either voice-activated or via keyboard input. VRU units are processor-controlled systems through which the caller can access general information such as weather, traffic news or other information, or access individual mailboxes or voice mailboxes.