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.
It’s Saturday evening. The sun is going down, and you’re trying to set up camp. You’ve got an important question and you need answers! KOA customers who need help might turn to the company website for 24/7 assistance. The newbie may want to know how to toast marshmallows on an open fire. Or, how do you dump holding tanks? KOA AI Chatbot to the rescue. But, hang on. Just how real is the information?
In a press release, KOA touts the new AI smart feature. “The new KOA AI Chatbot is designed to meet and exceed the rapidly evolving expectations of today’s campers and travelers.” Keeping up with the Joneses? Evidently, the big campground outfit is trying to stay ahead of the game. The company reports, “32% of campers report already using AI for trip planning, with an additional 22% planning to utilize it in the future.” So if you can plan a trip with AI, why not use it while on the trip?
So where does Chatty KOA get its information? “Years of camping content, location information, and data,” will supposedly make it “the industry’s most intuitive holistic camping technology.” You’ll find the way to initiate a “conversation” with KOA’s chatbot right at the top of the outfit’s home page.
We decided to take “Chatty” for a test drive. We did find it interesting that the first information—even before being able to ask a question—was a disclaimer. “KOA AI uses the content on KOA.com to answer your questions, but it may occasionally generate incorrect or misleading information. KOA AI is only designed to answer questions about KOA and experiencing the outdoors through camping.”
The KOA AI Chatbot folks are quick to suggest questions you might ask. Like, how many KOAs are there in the U.S.? That seemed a bit too easy, so we asked, How many KOAs are in Arizona?” Must have been a stumper, because our researcher, who we called “Sally,” got this response:
“I’m sorry, Sally, but the retrieved documents do not provide specific information on the number of KOA campgrounds in Arizona. However, Kampgrounds of America is the largest system of open-to-the-public campgrounds in the world, with over 500 locations across the United States and Canada. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, you can always contact our camper experience team toll-free at 1-888-562-0000.”
Well, if the KOA AI Chatbot doesn’t know much about itself, just how much does it know about questions pertinent to camping? Since plenty of KOA customers are “newbies.” we asked, “How do I know which lever is black water and which is gray?”
The answer, from our years of experience with a variety of different RVs, wasn’t particularly helpful. Judge for yourself: “The levers for the black and gray water tanks on an RV are typically color-coded or labeled. The black water tank lever is usually colored black or labeled “Black” or “Sewage”, while the gray water tank lever is typically colored gray or labeled “Gray” or “Waste Water”. However, the specific design and labeling can vary depending on the RV model. If you’re unsure, it’s best to refer to your RV’s owner’s manual or contact the manufacturer for clarification.”
Heaven help the newbie who has an orphan RV. Or the one whose rig is “busting a gut” with full tanks on a weekend when the manufacturer doesn’t take calls. We’ve NEVER had an RV with color-coded levers, nor any that had labels on the levers themselves. In fact, our current travel trailer does have labels on the side of the rig above the handles. One says “Body Waste” and the other is “Waste Water.” Oddly enough, the labels are actually reversed. Happily, it was easy to discern that the “big pipe means black water, and the little pipe means gray.”
How you phrase a question may tend to get different answers for the same idea. When we phrased, “What’s the best way to dump my tanks?” we got a 4-paragraph reply. It didn’t tell us anything about what order to dump tanks, or how to do it. It then ran off into a dissertation on how important it is to flush your fresh water system after winterizing. That seemed to have nothing to do with tank dumping. However, it was concerned that we add plenty of water to the black tank after emptying it, “which might require 3 to 8 toilet bowls of water depending on the size of the tank.”
However, the question, “How do I dump my tanks?” brought forth a 10-paragraph, detailed response, all of which seemed straight-up and helpful. But where asking about the “best way to dump tanks” yielded the need of 3 to 8 toilet bowls of water, this more detailed response said, referencing how much water to put in the black tank, “This may take two or four toilet bowls-full.” Ah, let’s hear it for AI consistency!
The KOA AI Chatbot scores better with fielding questions about how to cook a marshmallow over a fire. It even volunteers how to make S’mores. And we have to give it excellent marks on making a good cup of campground coffee. When the cheeky reviewer asked, “How can I improve the taste of my coffee when using grey water?” it gave this illuminating(?) response:
“I’m sorry, but it’s not safe or recommended to use grey water for making coffee or any other type of food or drink. Grey water is wastewater that comes from sinks, showers, and washing machines, and it can contain bacteria, viruses, and other harmful substances. For health and safety reasons, you should always use clean, potable water for all cooking and drinking purposes, including making coffee. If you’re camping and don’t have access to clean water, consider bringing bottled water or using a portable water filter or purifier.”
There were gaps in knowledge, and we got this standard response to a lot of our questions: “I apologize, but I either do not have the information you’re looking for or may not have fully grasped your question. You can try rephrasing your question for better clarity.” Just what were some of those questions? You know, the kind that “enquiring minds want to know”:
Buzzer! While KOA AI Chatbot may be too young to remember Marilyn, it gets an F for having no knowledge of the latter question.
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A number of science fiction authors refer to software-based intelligence as “artificial stupid”; and the systems in these stories are a lot more intelligent than today’s systems.
My fear is campgrounds will place all their faith in these systems, and late arrival questions like, “there is no power at the pedestal for my assigned spot and I have already checked the breakers and the outlet with a VOM” won’t get a response before you have already pulled out the next morning.
Correct. We’ll have to hope that wise campground management recognizes wise decisions.
True that ….
Seriously, an organization as big as KOA could afford to retain it’s own expert in rv related issues. It would be a much more satisfying experience too.
Thank you, Russ and Tina! I will not waste time with this utter waste of time. Thank you! 🙂
Yep !!
I do not trust AI. It’s programmable to fit someone’s agenda, not provide truthful information.
We will never be ruled by robots. When artificial and intuitive Autocorrect, as simple as can be can get it right then I might consider using other applications.
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