Welcome to the forefront of conversational AI as we explore the fascinating world of AI chatbots in our dedicated blog series. Discover the latest advancements, applications, and strategies that propel the evolution of chatbot technology. From enhancing customer interactions to streamlining business processes, these articles delve into the innovative ways artificial intelligence is shaping the landscape of automated conversational agents. Whether you’re a business owner, developer, or simply intrigued by the future of interactive technology, join us on this journey to unravel the transformative power and endless possibilities of AI chatbots.
The big difference between chatbots and smart assistants was their method of interaction with humans. Chatbots were preprogrammed to answer specific questions and react to certain stimuli mainly within a customer service niche. But if they encountered anything outside their programming they would fail abysmally, leaving the customer dissatisfied with the company’s service.
Smart assistants, however, listen to a user’s requests and respond intelligently, not just according to a programmer’s flowchart. They use dynamic conversational flow techniques to understand the intent behind the question and don’t just supply preprogrammed responses.

Google Inc. Home Mini 2 and Home Max 2 smart speakers sit on display during the Made By Google 2018… [+] launch event in New York, U.S., on Tuesday, Oct. 9, 2018. Google showed off a pair of new Pixel phones, a tablet computer and a speaker with a screen in a deluge of new products aimed at competing with the latest gadgets from big technology rivals. Photographer: Jeenah Moon/Bloomberg

Gartner (the world-leading IT, HR and customer service research and advisory company) suggests that chatbots will handle 85% of customer service interactions by next year. So doesn’t it make sense for your company to upgrade to an AI-powered bot?
What about smart assistants?
Watson Assistant, built by IBM, is one of the most advanced chatbots on the market. It understands chat logs and the context of the chat. Furthermore, if it doesn’t understand it will ask for clarification or transfer the customer to a human representative. You can even train it yourself to improve its interaction.
Google has improved its Google Assistant by making it independent of a network connection. The AI engines powering Assistant can, therefore, run on a smartphone without having Cloud access. This makes it faster and more independent. The system uses a technique called federated learning. The algorithm evolves using data from other users, not just yours. The algorithm updates and then downloads to your phone, providing even better interaction. It’ll only be a matter of time before other brands use the same method.
Google also announced recently about Google Lens. This incorporates camera-based input into the AI. Point your phone’s camera at text and it’ll translate into your own language. It will output as text or read aloud. This is ideal for those with seeing or reading problems and ultimately gives eyes to your smart assistant.
In July this year, Baidu Inc (China’s leading internet search provider) introduced its latest conversational AI, DuerOS. It can control smart domestic hardware and interact with humans. DuerOS no longer needs a ‘wake word’ like the more well-known devices. This assistant’s key feature is knowing when to respond and execute tasks and when to just listen.
According to Canalysis and other market research companies. During Q1 of 2019, Baidu’s Xiaodu smart speakers were the third best-seller globally and first in China.
Although the technology is rapidly improving, there’s still a difference in function between chatbots and smart assistants. In some sense, chatbots, developed by developers and brands are fuel for smart assistants because smart assistants such as Amazon Alexa gives them a showcase to use by its users. People can easily enable those chatbot skills in their Alexa and use it in their daily usage but they are generally using them for basic functionalites such as playing music or asking the weather. In the foreseeable future, chatbots won’t act independently because that isn’t their purpose. However, they’re becoming more advanced as research into AI  incorporates within chatbot technology.
Eventually, both smart assistant and chatbot technology will merge. Until then, chatbots and smart assistants have their own place in business and society. When used correctly they’re capable of immensely enriching our online experiences.

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