What Are Internet Bots?

Bots are software applications that run automated scripts; with the use of new technology, they are expected to play a bigger role in the future.

18:27 23 July 2017

A bot is a software designed to automate simple tasks like looking up for information, adding an appointment to your calendar, or making dinner reservation. Most bots live inside messaging apps and are made to simulate conversation.

 

Many companies are now using bots to handle a variety of customer service requests. An example is Taco Bell, which uses a bot that lets you order and pay for tacos through an automated chat conversation.

 

Facebook is currently testing a virtual assistant bot called “M” and is currently only available to few people. Because of this, many expect that the biggest social media network will roll out a bot store at its annual F8 conference for software developers next week.

 

Bots are getting so much attention these days due to dramatic improvements of artificial intelligence software that powers bot. AI enables computers to process language and converse with humans in ways they never could before.  

 

Sam Mandel, who is building a weather bot for Slack, said: “The chat space is sort of the last unpolluted space [on your phone]. It’s like the National Park of people’s online experience. Right now, the way people use chat services, it’s really a good private space that you control.”