Voice Automation, Does it Cut it?

Pretty much everyone finds automated telephone voices irritating.

At one point I deliberately avoided banking visa payments, as I found the automated 'helper's' voice so irritating it instantly put me into a bad mood.

Today, my interactivity with automated voices went a step further.

I am having my hair cut tomorrow. Low and below an automated voice rang me to confirm my appointment. How weird is it that setting up an automated system is easier than just getting someone to call, or sending me an email?

I just hope when I arrive tomorrow there isn't an automated hairdresser waiting for me, scissors poised.