AI Chatbot
Automated conversational interfaces that use AI to understand and respond to user questions and requests.
Definition
AI chatbots are conversational interfaces that use natural language processing to understand user inputs and generate appropriate responses. They range from rule-based systems handling simple queries to sophisticated AI that manages complex, contextual conversations.
Modern chatbots integrate with business systems to perform actions beyond information retrieval—scheduling appointments, processing orders, or escalating to human agents when needed. They operate across websites, messaging platforms, and voice interfaces.
Why It Matters
Chatbots provide instant response regardless of business hours, handling routine inquiries that would otherwise consume human agent time. They scale customer service capacity without proportional staffing increases.
Well-implemented chatbots improve customer experience through immediate availability. Poorly implemented ones frustrate users who encounter limitations. The technology requires careful design to balance automation with access to human support.
Examples in Practice
An event registration chatbot handles 70% of attendee inquiries automatically—schedule questions, logistics details, badge retrieval—reducing support team workload during peak periods.
A media company chatbot guides users to relevant content based on conversational preferences, increasing engagement and reducing bounce rates on busy content hubs.
Lead qualification chatbots collect information and assess fit before routing high-potential prospects to sales, improving lead quality while providing immediate engagement.