What is intelligent virtual assistant?

What is intelligent virtual assistant?

An intelligent virtual assistant (IVA) or intelligent personal assistant (IPA) is a software agent that can perform tasks or services for an individual based on commands or questions. It is an artificial intelligence system that emulates human interaction to perform particular tasks, like customer service. Virtual Assistants are proliferating because of deep neural networks, machine learning, and other advancements in AI technologies.

The first-ever chatbots were developed in the late 1960’s and early 1970’s. They were programmed with scripted responses that were provided to the user based on the latter’s inputs even as the conversational flows became more defined and complex over time, these chatbots had limited scope – there was no learning process involved and the only responses they could provide were those they had been programmed with. There was also no memory or retention of context – the bots had no ability to retain relevant information about the user between sessions, or even during the course of a conversation. These bots were typically used to automate very basic tasks, such as responding to FAQ’s.

Large companies, from technology powerhouses like Google to auto manufacturers such as car company , are investing heavily in Intelligent Virtual Assistants. We’re at the point now where these artificial intelligence-driven interactions are more than just a feature – they’re the products themselves. This shift speaks to the fact that customers are using the technology more frequently. Consumers are comfortable speaking with “a robot” when the productivity and convenience value is there. Communicating with Intelligent Virtual Assistants isn’t a novelty anymore – it’s becoming an expected feature.

Many times the machine needs the assistance of human to complete its task. There are some very exciting emerging human-assisted technologies that leverage humans for advanced machine learning. Interactions happens to be at the forefront of these innovations and has deployed Intelligent Virtual Assistants that seamlessly blend artificial with true human intelligence.