Chatbot
Software that simulates conversation to answer questions or complete tasks — from simple rules to full AI.
Glossary/Chatbot
A chatbot is any software that talks with users in a chat interface. The term spans a wide range: at one end, simple rule-based bots that follow scripted menus; at the other, AI agents that understand natural language and reason over your knowledge.
The capability gap is huge, which is why buyers should look past the label. A scripted chatbot handles only what it was programmed for; an AI agent resolves open-ended questions and hands off to humans when needed.
Frequently asked questions
Is a chatbot the same as an AI agent?
Not necessarily. 'Chatbot' covers everything from scripted rule-based bots to AI agents. A rule-based chatbot only handles pre-built flows; an AI agent understands language and resolves open-ended questions from your knowledge base.
Related terms
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