How do AI agents differ from chatbots or virtual assistants?

Christian11

Member
While AI agents, chatbots, and virtual assistants are often used interchangeably, there are key differences in scope and functionality

Chatbots are typically rule-based or scripted systems designed to handle specific interactions, usually via text. They work on predefined triggers and flowcharts and are limited in flexibility. For example, a basic chatbot on a website may answer FAQs like "What are your business hours?"

Virtual assistants like Siri, Alexa, or Google Assistant are more advanced. They use NLP and can perform a variety of tasks like setting reminders, playing music, or checking the weather. They often integrate with smart devices and are context-aware to some degree.

AI agents go a step further. They are autonomous software entities capable of perception, reasoning, decision-making, and action-taking. Unlike chatbots or virtual assistants, AI agents can work across systems, learn from experience, and collaborate with other agents or services.

For example, an AI agent in supply chain management may track shipments, predict delays based on weather patterns, communicate with other agents in logistics, and automatically reroute deliveries — all without human input.

In summary, while chatbots and virtual assistants are subsets, AI agents are the broader, more capable framework enabling intelligent and autonomous behavior in software systems.


SOURCE: https://www.inoru.com/ai-agent-development-company
 
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