AI Chatbot Glossary
What Is Bot?
A bot is a software application that runs automated tasks. In customer communication, bots handle repetitive interactions like answering FAQs, routing inquiries, and collecting contact details.
Definition
Short for "robot," a bot is a software application that runs automated tasks. In customer communication, bots handle repetitive interactions like answering FAQs, routing inquiries, and collecting contact information, freeing up human agents for complex issues.
Why Bot Matters for AI Chatbots
"Bot" is the generic term — most "bots" on websites today are AI chatbots powered by large language models. If you are evaluating a bot, ask whether it is rule-based (scripted decision trees) or AI-based (language model with RAG), because the difference decides how much ongoing maintenance you sign up for.
Related Terms
Chatbot
A chatbot is a software application that simulates human conversation through text or voice — ranging from simple rule-based systems to advanced AI-powered agents.
AI Chatbot
An AI chatbot is a conversational interface powered by artificial intelligence that understands natural language, generates human-like responses, and assists users with tasks like answering questions, capturing leads, or processing orders.
AI Agent
An AI agent is an autonomous software program that perceives its environment, makes decisions, and takes actions to achieve goals — going beyond simple chatbots by handling multi-step tasks.
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