What is a chatbot?
A chatbot is a rules-based computer program, which simulates human interaction with end-users via a chat interface. In other words, a chatbot can have a conversation with you just like a real person, ask questions and answer queries based on pre-defined rules and logic.
Powered by complex Machine Learning algorithms, Chatbots allow computer programs to mimic human conversations and react to written or spoken queries to deliver a service. Because chatbots are powered by AI, they are self-learning and can comprehend human language, not just computer commands. The efficiency, accuracy and overall intelligence of chatbots increase with the number of conversations they have and the unique situations they are exposed to.
How AI Chatbots work?
Chatbots are similar to a messaging interface where bots respond to users’ queries instead of human beings. They look like other apps. But its UI layer works differently. Machine Learning Algorithms power the conversation between a human being and a chatbot.
ML algorithms break down your queries or messages into human-understandable natural languages with NLP techniques and send a response similar to what you expect from a human on the other side.
Let us share an example of how Chatbot works
Suppose you have a smart AI-based conversational chatbot app on your phone or computer and you want to travel from LA to New York. You can open the chatbot app and write a message:
“Book a flight from LA to New York.”
You may get a response like this:
“How many people are traveling with you?
Once you send a response, the bot will respond with all possible flight details in seconds. Sounds amazing? Right?
The response sent back by the bot looks so natural, the way you expect from a real human being. But, do you know a lot of work goes behind providing you with such experience?
First of all, a bot has to understand what input has been provided by a human being. Chatbots achieve this understanding via parameters like Artificial Neural Networks, Text Classifiers, and Natural Language Understanding. Human beings need to respond with an appropriate message, which should look like a natural reply. It is done using Natural Language Generation (NLG).
Let’s understand all these techniques in more depth.
In this technique, words and sentences are divided into significant intent. Chatbots understand the intent and respond accordingly.
Text classification is the process of assigning a set of predefined categories to the content. With Natural Language Processing (NLP), text classifiers can analyze text and create a set of pre-defined tags or replies based on the input text.
Bots depend a lot on Natural Language Processing techniques. Human language may get chaotic and NLP has the capability to handle all the mess. Made up of various libraries, the NLP engine identifies and extracts entities, which are essential pieces of information provided by the user.
Chatbots are classified into two types:
Chatbots based on fixed rules only respond to specific commands and represent a fixed smartness level. If it is given some command that it does not understand, it won’t be able to perform appropriately.
However, a chatbot based on machine learning incorporates artificial intelligence and can understand the language, not only commands. It can learn with more information or interactions.
Machine Learning is the system’s ability to learn from past experiences without human involvement and use what they have learned.
Computer systems learn by getting exposed to various examples with machine learning. The approach to learn from examples is based on how the brain learns and is called neural networks. Machine learning uses algorithms that are sequences of instructions commanding computers what to do. Algorithms can be arranged and combined in complicated ways.
When a chatbot gets an input prompt, it must identify the prompt and create context so that it can evaluate the required output. Since the chatbot is trained with data input, it finds patterns that it can store for reference.
Also, deep learning is a type of machine learning that employs layered algorithms called artificial neural networks. Instead of task-specific algorithms, deep learning uses techniques where the system explores representations in the data that enable it to make the context of the raw data. Every layer of algorithms contains interconnected artificial neurons. The prior learning patterns and events measure the relationship between neurons. Algorithms can search for patterns in huge quantities of data and conclude how to respond to new data.
Therefore, this approach works in AI chatbots, where a predefined set of responses is not workable or appropriate.
What are the significant advantages of using AI chatbots?
Let’s look at some of the key advantages of deploying AI chatbots in various business processes.
Furthermore, chatbots can provide 24/7 assistance and support to customers and end-users. They can be programmed to provide automated answers to common queries immediately and forward the request to a real person when a more comprehensive action is required. This has a significant positive impact on customer and user experience.
Besides, chatbots can also be leveraged to identify purchasing patterns and consumer behavior. It can help businesses make critical decisions around product marketing and launch strategies.
Furthermore, multi-lingual chatbots can be used to scale up businesses in new geographies and linguistic areas relatively faster. Businesses can program the chatbot to easily handle incoming queries without having to augment their staff readily.
Let’s explore some of the best AI chatbots used across different industries
Here are some of the best smart AI chatbots you should explore to experience the power of AI:
Final word
It is evident that chatbots provide unique benefits for businesses and can be a trusted backup for employees for relatively basic and repetitive tasks. The biggest challenge with AI chatbots at present will still be the need to train them with Machine Learning to efficiently handle queries and situations of varying levels of complexity.
If you are looking to build an AI-based chatbot, consult our team of AI experts and get started.