What Is a Chatbot?

A chatbot is a specific instance of a task-oriented conversational AI – the goal is to be able to hold a conversation with the user to the extent required in order to resolve customer queries, perform a task that the customer requests, or suggest a way to move forward from them.

As in normal conversation, the means by which we interact with the bot can be written text or speech. Often, the chatbots are integrated with messaging platforms, such as Slack, Facebook, Kik, and WeChat. This can also be integrated with a custom web or mobile interface.

It is easier, of course, to integrate within an existing messaging platform, since the user is likely to be familiar with the interface. Moreover, these platforms provide support to the chatbot developers with infrastructure and development tools.

Some examples of chatbots include systems for ordering products, reporting, internal communication, and scheduling.