As AI (artificial intelligence) continues to extend its capabilities and reach, more and more manufacturers are finding ways to incorporate it into their solutions. The latest example comes from URC, which has launched its new Virtual Assistant powered by AI.

This tool, available on www.urc-automation.com, complements URC’s Virtual Assistant on its Dealer Portal. The virtual resource permits 24/7 communication surrounding URC’s Total Control and Complete Control product lines and enables consumers to find a certified URC dealer.

At CEDIA Expo 2022, URC announced efforts to integrate AI into its products and services, and dealers and their customers are reaping the rewards.

“As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to evolve and grow in applications, we are carefully considering how this trend and computer learning can help URC deliver elevated, affordable smart living experiences,” states URC Founder and CEO Chang K. Park.  

“As we plan for the future, our focus continues to be squarely on aiding our dealers in growing and evolving their businesses in the changing marketplace.”

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Chatbots Capabilities & Engagement Studied by URC

URC says it did extensive research prior to the launch. Some findings that infused the development strategy (see masterofcode.com/blog/chatbot-statistics), per the company, include:

• 1.4 billion people actively use messaging apps. In fact, chatbots experienced a remarkable 92% increase in usage since 2019.
• 87.2% of consumers rate their interactions with bots as either neutral or positive. 62% of respondents prefer engaging with customer service digital assistants rather than waiting for human agents.
• In 2022, 88% of users engaged in at least one conversation with a chatbot.
• Only 9% of consumers oppose companies using bots.
• 40% of millennials engage with digital assistants daily.
• 73% of buyers expect websites to feature digital assistants for convenient interactions.
• Bots contribute to 39% of all chats between businesses and consumers.

In February, URC launched a Virtual Assistant to aid integrators with answers to a wide range of technical questions by quickly sourcing information from URC’s extensive technical library, proprietary user guides, partner manuals, videos, and product documents. 

This AI technology continued to learn and update with the latest answers, the company adds. This expanded industry-leading products and technical support tools to URC’s domestic and international dealer and distributor communities — around the clock and around the globe.

The new, similar tool will assist consumers in addressing questions about residential and commercial automation solutions, with answers to questions 24/7.

“Integrating advanced technology, like AI, is a strategic imperative which URC has been developing over the past few years including launching a Virtual Smart Home experience in 2022 (https://www.urc-automation.com/urc-launches-virtual-smart-home-experience/) leveraging ultra-realistic, Virtual Reality,” states Ron Pence, URC’s marketing lead.

“Creating engagement tools to drive consumer preference helps drive business to our dealer community while accelerating advanced intelligence innovation across URC’s business model.”

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