Prerequisites
Before proceeding, ensure that your development environment meets the following requirements:- A Zero Runtime account (create one from the Zero Runtime Dashboard).
- Node.js and Python 3.11+ installed on your device.
You need a Zero Runtime account to generate a token. The agent reaches the Gemini Live API through the Zero Runtime Inference Gateway, so you don’t need a separate Google API key.
Generate a token from the Zero Runtime Dashboard.
Project Structure
First, create an empty project usingmkdir folder_name in your preferred location for the JavaScript frontend. Your final project structure should look like this:
root
index.html
config.js
index.js
agent-js.py
.env
index.html: Creates a basic UI for joining the meeting.config.js: Stores the token and room ID for the JavaScript frontend.index.js: Renders the meeting view and handles audio functionality.agent-js.py: The Python AI agent backend using the Google Gemini Live API..env: Environment variables for the Python agent’s API keys.
Part 1: JavaScript Frontend
Install Zero Runtime
Import Zero Runtime using the
<script> tag or install it using npm/yarn.- <script>
- npm
- yarn
Design the user interface
Create an
index.html file containing a join-screen and a grid-screen for audio-only interaction.index.html
Configure environment and credentials
Create a meeting room using the Zero Runtime API:Copy the
roomId from the response and configure it in config.js:config.js
Implement meeting logic
In
index.js, retrieve DOM elements, declare variables, and add the core meeting functionality.index.js
Part 2: Python AI Agent
Setup the project
Use Python 3.11 or higher, then install the Zero Runtime Agents SDK. Create and activate a virtual environment, then install
zrt and python-dotenv. Every provider plugin ships with zrt.Configure environment variables
Create a
.env file in your project root to store your token securely for the Python agent:.env
Create the AI agent backend
Create the Python AI agent (
agent-js.py) that joins the same meeting room and interacts with users through voice.agent-js.py
Part 3: Run the Application
Start the frontend
Once you have completed all the steps above, serve your frontend files:Open
http://localhost:8000 in your web browser.Run the AI agent
Open a new terminal, activate your virtual environment, and run the Python agent. It reads
ZERORUNTIME_AUTH_TOKEN from the .env file.Connect and interact
-
Join the meeting from the frontend:
- Click the Join Agent Meeting button in your browser.
- Allow microphone permissions when prompted.
-
Agent connection:
- Once you join, the Python agent detects your participation.
- You should see “Participant joined” in the terminal.
- The AI agent greets you and initiates the game.
-
Start playing:
- The agent guides you through a number guessing game (1–100).
- Use your microphone to interact with the AI host.
Troubleshooting
'Waiting for participant...' but no connection
'Waiting for participant...' but no connection
- Ensure both the frontend and the agent are running.
- Check that the
ROOM_IDmatches inconfig.jsandagent-js.py. - Verify your Zero Runtime token is valid.
Audio not working
Audio not working
- Check browser permissions for microphone access.
Agent not responding
Agent not responding
- Verify your
ZERORUNTIME_AUTH_TOKENis set in the.envfile and is valid.
Next Steps
Quickstart Example
Complete working example with source code.
Build Your First Voice Agent
Learn the Cascade and Realtime pipelines in depth.