One of the first chatbots to pass through the Turing test, used to verify the ability of the machine to perform human behavior, was Eliza. Destined to be a psychologist, was launched in 1966, and since then, opinions differ regarding this technology. However, more than 50 years after Eliza’s creation, finally we are starting to find applicability for the chatbots. Due to the advance and possible benefits, people like Satya Nadella, Microsoft CEO, claims that bots can replace apps.
It is possible notice a progress in chatbots, due to the evolution of technologies such as Machine Learning, Artificial Intelligence and Natural Language Processing. Briefly we can say that the chatbots are smarter, and because of that, it is possible to create much advanced and diversified solutions helpful to users. However, many believe that bots have not yet reached their maximum potential and can improve even more.
However, it is important to highlight that, chatbots do not necessarily need AI to work, they can also operate by rules, what does not mean they are inferior. The biggest difference is that the bots that rely on rules to work, will complete their function and only that, while those based on Artificial intelligence, possess the ability to learn as they are used. Usually, the method used is decided by the function of the bot, while some are programmed to a specific function, others are programmed to chat and need to have improved skills.
Currently, more than 100.000 chatbots are available on Facebook and 300.000 in Pandorabots, one of the largest and oldest platforms focused in this technology. Marketing is one of the areas that most uses chatbots, focusing on consumer experience. You can find bots capable of performing banking transactions, giving information on public transportation and weather forecasting, ordering in delivery restaurants, in addition to the virtual assistants that have been gaining space since the launch of Apple’s Siri.
