AI agents vs chatbots: what is the difference?

A chatbot holds a conversation and answers questions. An AI agent is given a goal and uses tools to complete it, such as booking an appointment, updating a record or sending a follow-up. If your problem is answering the same questions, a chatbot may be enough. If the problem is the work that follows the answer, you need an agent.

The difference in practice

A customer asks whether you have a slot on Friday. A chatbot says the calendar shows openings at 10 and 2. An agent checks the calendar, offers the times, books the one they choose, sends a confirmation and adds them to your customer list.

Which one you need

• Most enquiries are simple questions with fixed answers: a chatbot or FAQ page may do.
• Enquiries need a booking, quote or follow-up: an agent saves the work.
• You are worried about mistakes: an agent with approval steps gives you control.

The line is blurring

Many chat products now include agent features, and many agents include a chat window. Ask a vendor what the product can do without you, which systems it connects to, and what it asks before acting. Those answers matter more than the label.

Where Kahu fitsKahu AssistKahu Assist is an AI agent that runs your website, marketing, bookings and follow-ups from one chat, and asks before anything goes live. You keep the yes; it does the typing.Connects to your site, WhatsApp, calendar and emailAsks before anything goes liveSet up from one 15-minute chatSee Kahu Assist →Fill Thursday’s empty slots and let the cafe know the new brunch hours.Kahu · 3 actions readyTwo Thursday gaps at 11:00 and 14:30. Drafted messages to 6 waitlisted customers.Updated the hours on your site and Google profile to Sat–Sun 8–2.One post about the new hours, using your Sunday counter photo.ChangeApprove all

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