Is It Worth Investing in a ChatBot? A Possible Business Strategy

November 2016: we have a newly elected president, and there is as much suspense about the future of our country as there is about the role that Artificial Intelligence is about to play in our lives. While the presidential election is over, the technology election campaign for the most usable and useful AI gadget is just heating up, and we will all be voting with our dollar. From the point of view of business investors, ChatBots have to be profitable to have a chance. One obvious and far-reaching opportunity is the replacement of human service representatives who can cost businesses anywhere from $1 to $30 (or more!) per call/transaction, all things considered. Even with outsourcing, the costs are substantial, and include calling center maintenance, training of the representatives, insurance, support -- all that does not come to mind when all we need is a minute or two of someone's time.