What are Chatbots?

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Chatbots

A chatbot is a computer program or AI-powered software designed to interact with humans in a conversational manner. Using natural language processing (NLP) and machine learning techniques, chatbots can understand and respond to user questions and commands. They are commonly used in various applications, such as customer support, information retrieval, virtual assistants, and more. Chatbots can be deployed on websites, messaging platforms, mobile apps, or voice-activated devices, offering users an interactive experience.

Optional: Watch the video below for a more detailed explanation of chatbots with some examples of how they can and are employed:

Generative vs. Rule-Based Chatbots

Generative chatbots (AI) and rule-based chatbots differ in their approach to generating responses, flexibility, training requirements, and complexity.

Generative chatbots (like ChatGPT) utilize machine learning techniques and large datasets to generate dynamic and original responses. They can adapt to a wide range of questions and provide more natural interactions. Rule-based chatbots (like many virtual assistants), on the other hand, operate on predefined rules and decision trees. They provide predetermined responses based on specific patterns or keywords.

Training requirements also differ. Rule-based chatbots do not require extensive training data since developers manually define the rules. Generative chatbots, however, require large training datasets and utilize machine learning algorithms for training.

In terms of complexity and scalability, rule-based chatbots are simpler to develop and maintain. They are effective for specific use cases but may become challenging to scale as requirements become more complex. Generative chatbots offer more advanced capabilities but require additional computational resources and ongoing maintenance.

Optional: Watch the video below for a more detailed breakdown of these differences:

Image from: https://capacity.com/chatbots/intro-to-chatbots/

Image from: https://neurosoph.com/conversational-ai-traditional-rule-based-chatbots/

Chatbots in the Wild

It is quite likely that all of us have interacted directly and/or indirectly with Chatbots. From virtual assistants to AI-powered tutors, here we aim to highlight a range of Chatbots currently in use and available.

ChatGPT

ChatGPT is a language model developed by OpenAI. It falls into the category of generative chatbots. As a generative chatbot, ChatGPT has the ability to generate human-like responses based on the context of the conversation and its AI algorithms. It can understand and respond to a wide range of user inputs, engaging in interactive and meaningful discussions. It can also perform a range of other tasks including writing code.

The free version of ChatGPT runs on GPT-3.5 architecture. This limits the AI model's knowledge and information to pre-September 2021.
ChatGPT Plus, a paid subscription, gives users access to GPT-4 architecture which has access to current information

Bing Chat

Microsoft's Bing search engine now integrates AI through GPT-4's large-language model (LLM), developed by OpenAI- the developers of ChatGPT. Bing Chat may be more reliable than ChatGPT as it pulls from more recent information through the Bing browser.

In order to use the AI-powered Bing Chat, users need to access it through the Microsoft Edge Browser (free to download)

Google Bard

Google Bard is an AI chatbot that was launched in early 2023 as an experiment that uses Google's PaLM 2 large language model. It is similar to ChatGPT though it pulls its information from Google. This makes Google Bard similar to Bing Chat in the sense that responses pull from current web information.

At the time of writing this, Google Bard is not available in Canada.

Meta's Llama 2 (LLM)

Llama 2 is Meta and Microsoft's collaborative new large language model (LLM). This LLM competes with Open AI's GPT-4 LLM and Google PaLM 2 LLM. Other generative chatbot models can be built using this LLM.

Claude 2.0

Claude is a generative chatbot. It is seen as a ChatGPT rival, developed by Anthropic.

At the time of writing this, Claude is only available in the US and UK.
Along with Google, Microsoft and OpenAI, Anthropic (developer of Claude) was one of four companies invited to brief the White House on the topic of "Advancing Responsible Artificial Intelligence Innovation"

Duolingo Max

DuoLingo Max is a chatbot addition to the Duolingo language acquisition platform. Duolingo Max is powered by GPT-4 from OpenAI.

Khanmigo (educational chatbots)

Khan Academy now offers a AI-powered virtual tutor feature known as Khanmigo. This GPT-4 powered tutor is geared primarily towards assisting learners and will not give answers, but rather assistance. Khanmigo is not widely available at this point.

At the time of writing this, Khanmigo is only available for use in the United States.

Virtual Assistants (various companies and organizations)
*often rule-based chatbots

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Virtual assistants for websites and customer service are software programs that use AI technologies to interact with users, provide information, and assist with various tasks. These virtual assistants are designed to simulate human-like conversation and understand natural language inputs. They are also aimed at providing customers and clients with immediate assistance and while lowering labour costs for companies.

Chatbot Eli, GitaGPT (religious chatbots)

There are a range of religious chatbots that are currently available. Religious chatbots are specifically designed to address religious topics, provide spiritual guidance, and engage in conversations related to faith and belief systems.

Woebot (healthare chatbots)

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Healthcare chatbots are virtual assistants specifically designed to provide support, information, and guidance in the field of healthcare. These chatbots leverage artificial intelligence and natural language processing to interact with users, address their health-related queries, and offer personalized assistance.

Eli, Koko (advice chatbots)

Advice chatbots are virtual assistants designed to provide guidance, suggestions, and recommendations to users seeking advice on various topics. There are several advice chatbots aimed directly towards assisting youth and teens. Elibot, for example, is a Russian chatbot that was created in partnership with UNESCO.

Walter - Intelligent Automated Tutor

Walter is designed to be an AI chatbot assistant tutor that can be trained on the custom content a teacher provides. It claims to be able to summarize, provide personalized content for students, generate questions based on content, grade student responses and more. Walter can also guide students toward review materials based on the responses they give, allowing them to immediately find the material.