Summary:
Use AI agent chatbots to answer naturally while keeping control with rule-based flows. This guide shows the hybrid pattern (AI + buttons/forms), safe handoffs, and how to build it—no code.
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If you’re new to bots, start with these:
- WhatsApp Chatbot No Code: 15-Minute Landbot Tutorial
- WhatsApp Chatbot Templates: 9 Ready-to-Use Flows
- WhatsApp Business API: Simple Checklist to Go Live
- Website Chatbot No Code: 15-Minute Landbot Setup
What is an AI agent chatbot?
An AI agent chatbot uses a language model to understand intent and reply in natural language. In a hybrid setup, you combine AI answers with rule-based flows (buttons, forms, conditions) so users stay on track, data is captured cleanly, and risky questions hand off to people.
Why it works:
- AI = flexible understanding + conversational tone
- Rules = structure, brand control, analytics, and safe fallbacks
- Together = higher resolution rate without losing guardrails
AI agent chatbots vs rule-based bots: when to use each
Use AI agents when:
- Questions vary a lot (open-ended FAQs)
- You want multilingual replies out of the box
- You need summaries/explanations in natural language
Use rule-based flows when:
- You must capture data reliably (name, email, order #)
- You guide users through fixed paths (booking, payment)
- Compliance requires strict wording or limits
Best of both: Answer with AI → branch to a button/form → escalate to human if needed.
The hybrid pattern (AI + flows) you’ll build
- Welcome → quick replies (Pricing, Book a demo, Support)
- AI Answer block for open questions (with tone & limits)
- Guardrails: if off-topic/long → route back to options
- Mini form: name, email, intent stored to variables
- Human Takeover rules for VIP keywords or complex requests
- Analytics goals: completed form, demo booked, hand-off
Build it in Landbot (no code, quick steps)
- Create a bot (Web or WhatsApp channel).
- Add Quick Replies for common intents.
- Insert an AI Answer/AI agent block:
- Set system/tone (friendly, concise)
- Restrict scope (answer only from your knowledge)
- Confidence fallback (“I’m not sure—tap a button below”)
- Add a mini form (Name, Email, “What do you need?”) → save to
@name,@email,@use_case. - Configure Human Takeover in Team Inbox for “agent”, “custom quote”, or high deal sizes.
- (Optional) Integrations: Google Sheets/HubSpot to store leads.
- Test the edge cases: long questions, off-topic, multilingual.
Prompt & guardrail tips (copy & use)
System prompt example:
“Answer user questions briefly and helpfully using our brand voice (friendly, clear). If the user asks for pricing or a demo, show the buttons. If unsure, say you’re not sure and offer a human handoff.”
Boundaries:
- “Don’t answer outside support, pricing, features, or booking.”
- “Never invent discounts or legal advice.”
- “If message > 3 turns without progress, show quick replies again.”
Best practices for AI agent chatbots
- Short first answer, then offer buttons for next steps.
- Always-on guardrails: max turns, topic limits, banned phrases.
- Structured capture: use forms for emails/IDs (not free text).
- Human fast path: VIPs and frustrated users to agents quickly.
- Weekly review: check drop-offs, low-confidence cases, and refine prompts.
AI Agent Chatbots FAQs
A chatbot that uses a language model to understand and answer naturally, combined with rule-based flows for structure and safety.
Yes—use AI for flexible answers and forms for clean data capture and conversions.
Set tone in the system prompt, restrict topics, and route unclear cases to buttons or a human.
Yes—use Landbot’s visual builder to connect AI answers, flows, forms, and handoffs.