What Is A Chatbot?
A chatbot is a computer programme simulating a conversation with humans via text or voice. They are often used to provide customer service or answer frequently asked questions. There are two main types of chatbots:
- Rule-Based Chatbots: These chatbots follow a set of predefined rules to respond to user queries. They are relatively simple to create but they can be limited in their ability to understand complex questions.
- AI-Powered Chatbots: These use artificial intelligence (AI) to understand user queries and generate responses. They can be more complex and nuanced in their responses and learn and improve over time.
How Does An AI-Based Chatbot Work?
AI-powered chatbots use a combination of technologies to understand your messages and respond in a natural way. Here is a breakdown of the key components:
- Natural Language Processing (NLP): NLP helps the chatbot understand the meaning behind a user’s words. It analyses things like keywords, phrases and the overall context of the message a user sends.
- Intent Recognition: Using NLP, chatbots try to identify the intent behind your message.
- Machine Learning: This allows the chatbot to constantly learn and improve. By analysing past conversations, the chatbot refines its ability to understand and respond to future requests.
- Response Generation: Once the chatbot understands the intent, it searches its database for the most relevant response. In some cases, chatbots can even generate new responses on the fly using creative text formats.
How Are Chatbots & Conversational AI Related?
Chatbots and conversational AI are closely related, but not quite the same thing. Here’s how they connect:
- Conversational AI Is The Engine, Chatbots Are The Cars: Conversational AI is the underlying technology that allows machines to understand and respond to human conversation. It includes technologies like NLP, machine learning, speech recognition, and (in some cases) generative AI. Think of conversational AI as the engine that powers a car.
- The Future Of Chatbots Is Conversational AI: As conversational AI continues to develop, AI-powered chatbots will become even more sophisticated and capable. They will be able to handle more complex conversations, learn from interactions and provide a more natural user experience.
What Are Some Typical Examples Of Chatbots?
Chatbots come in all shapes and sizes, depending on their purpose and use cases. Here are a few common examples:
- Customer Service Chatbots: These are probably the most familiar type. They are often found on company websites or social media pages, ready to answer your questions about products, orders, or troubleshooting problems.
- Virtual Assistants: Think Siri, Alexa, or Google Assistant. These AI-powered chatbots live on your smartphone or smart speaker and can answer your questions, complete tasks like setting alarms or making calls, and even control your smart home devices.
- Shopping Bots: Several retailers use chatbots to help you find products, compare prices, or even complete your purchase. These chatbots can be integrated into their website or messaging apps.
- Entertainment Chatbots: There are chatbots designed for fun and social interaction. These might include chatbots you can play games with, practice conversation with, or even get advice from.
- Informational Chatbots: These chatbots provide specific information or complete tasks. For example, a university chatbot might answer questions about admissions, or a healthcare chatbot might help a user schedule an appointment.
