Hello AI story

Annoying Labs is a concept owned by Botne Oy / Sorwi. In this product it appears as a new kind of Oulu–Vihanti digital craft tradition: we make everyday recurring disruptions easier to manage using intelligent automation, one product at a time. Our first product is Hello AI. Contributors from several regions have taken part in development and testing—with special thanks to Ii, Jyväskylä, and the persistence of the Ostrobothnian spirit.

Respectful volunteer work has continued for a long time after prototype funding ended—for example mobile development and, most recently, visual identity, as well as help designing business-appropriate use and outreach. Sorwi (sorwi.fi) was responsible for delivery. Prototype development was co-funded by the European Union; the service was productized at our own cost.

The idea came from a need to manage unknown callers and constant interruptions—especially in consulting, where time is split across client work, meetings, and travel. In practice, Hello AI fits scam defence, AI-assisted handling of important calls, and business use cases. Experience of how phone-sold services can target vulnerable people reinforced the need for the product. On the business side, our journey is still at an early stage, but we have already brought in capable expertise and the demo is ready. Explore the solution.

The concept and delivery have evolved through teamwork in Oulu. Prototype funding combined our own contribution with European Union support; technical risks have been addressed and the service is production-ready. The app has been tested in demanding real-world settings, including Lukkaroistenperä in Vihanti.

The team brings hundreds of combined years of experience in software and service development.