AI Chatbot illustration
AI Chatbot 10 min read

What Is an AI Chatbot? The Complete Guide for 2026

Last updated: 25 May 2026

AI chatbots are the new standard for customer service. Discover how they work, what they cost, and why 67% of consumers prefer chatting with a bot over waiting on hold.

Quick Answer TL;DR

Een AI chatbot is software die menselijke gesprekken voert via tekst, gebruikmakend van large language models (LLMs) zoals GPT-4. Voor MKB werkt een chatbot 24/7 op website, WhatsApp of in-app, beantwoordt 60-80% van vragen automatisch en draagt complexe gevallen over aan een mens. Implementatie binnen 2 weken vanaf €2.450 eenmalig + €249/maand.

What is an AI chatbot?

An AI chatbot is an automated conversational agent that uses artificial intelligence to have natural conversations with visitors on your website, in your app, or via messaging platforms like WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger.

Unlike old-school chatbots that can only respond to pre-programmed questions, modern AI chatbots understand intent and context. They can:

  • Understand natural language (even with typos)
  • Answer contextual follow-up questions
  • Learn from previous conversations
  • Execute complex tasks (bookings, orders)
  • Seamlessly hand over to a human when needed