Core concepts
AI Assistant
A conversational AI tool that helps users with tasks like writing, scheduling, research, or answering questions in natural language.
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In plain English
An AI assistant is a software product that uses a large language model to help users get work done through a conversational interface. Unlike a basic chatbot, an AI assistant typically has memory, can use tools, and is designed for ongoing tasks rather than one-off questions.
What AI assistants do:
- Draft emails, documents, and code
- Summarise meetings, articles, or PDFs
- Schedule and manage calendars
- Search the web and synthesise findings
- Take actions in connected apps
Examples: ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, and Microsoft Copilot are general-purpose AI assistants. There are also specialised assistants for sales, legal research, coding (GitHub Copilot, Cursor), and customer support.
AI assistants are the most common consumer-facing form of AI today.
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Related terms
Chatbot
A program that simulates conversation with users — increasingly powered by LLMs to handle natural-language questions and tasks.
Agent
An AI system that can take actions, use tools, and make decisions autonomously to complete a goal.
Copilot
An AI assistant embedded directly into a workflow — like coding, writing, or design — that suggests, completes, or generates work alongside the user.
Conversational AI
AI systems designed for natural back-and-forth dialogue with users — covering chatbots, voice assistants, and AI agents.
LLM
Large Language Model — the type of AI behind tools like ChatGPT and Claude, trained to understand and generate text.
Back to glossaryLast reviewed May 2026