“Berlin's AI ecosystem is highly regarded for its entrepreneurial spirit, collaborative culture, and commitment to ethical AI development."

Chatbot Summit is the world's leading Conversational A.I. Conference & Expo series connecting the eminent professionals and organisations, who believe natural language will be the next curve in digital experiences. Ahead of the Chatbot Summit coming to Berlin from March 19-21, we talked to the series’ CEO Yoav Barel about the rebirth of chatbots with the rise of Large Language Models, the potential of the EU’s AI Act and Berlin’s thriving tech ecosystem.

What can we expect at the upcoming Chatbot Summit in Berlin? What are your personal highlights?

At the Chatbot Summit in Berlin, attendees can expect a dynamic exploration of the latest advancements in Generative and Conversational AI. Our program features a diverse range of topics, including Large Action Models, Conversational AI deployments, and the industry impact of Generative AI. Personally, I'm particularly excited about the workshops and discussions surrounding the integration of Generative AI into various sectors such as telecom, retail, and banking. Additionally, the opportunity for networking and collaboration among leaders in this field is always a highlight of the summit.

From the early stages of Chatbots being sneered at to the rise of Generative AI and Large Language Models, how do you see that journey?
The journey of Chatbots from being dismissed as unhelpful to becoming integral parts of daily interactions has been remarkable. The advancements in Generative AI and Large Language Models have played a pivotal role in this transformation. These technologies have enabled Chatbots to understand and respond to human queries with unprecedented accuracy and naturalness, enhancing user experiences across various platforms. As we continue to innovate in this space, I foresee Chatbots evolving even further to become indispensable tools in numerous industries, revolutionizing how we engage with technology.

With businesses increasingly adopting and implementing LLMs, what is the state of conversational AI and what is ahead of us until the end of the decade?
The adoption of Large Language Models (LLMs) by businesses marks a significant milestone in the evolution of conversational AI. These advanced systems have revolutionized how organizations interact with customers, automate tasks, and derive insights from vast amounts of data. Looking ahead, until the end of the decade, we can anticipate further refinement and democratization of conversational AI technologies. As LLMs become more accessible and customizable, businesses will have unprecedented opportunities to personalize customer interactions, streamline operations, and drive innovation across industries.

What are the hurdles for businesses wanting to integrate AI into their operations, especially with the EU's AI Act in mind? How do you see the growing push for regulation?

The integration of AI into business operations presents several challenges, particularly in light of evolving regulatory frameworks such as the EU's AI Act. Compliance with regulations regarding data privacy, transparency, and ethical use of AI poses significant hurdles for businesses. Additionally, ensuring fairness, accountability, and robustness in AI systems remains a priority. However, I believe that regulation can also serve as a catalyst for responsible AI innovation. By fostering transparency, trust, and accountability, regulatory frameworks can drive ethical AI adoption while safeguarding against potential risks and biases.

Why is Berlin the right place for hosting the Chatbot Summit, and what is the international perspective on the capital's AI ecosystem?

Berlin has emerged as a vibrant hub for technology and innovation, making it an ideal location for hosting Chatbot Summit. The city's dynamic startup ecosystem, world-class research institutions, and diverse talent pool provide fertile ground for fostering collaborations and driving advancements in AI. Moreover, Berlin's central location within Europe facilitates international participation and cross-border exchange of ideas and expertise. From an international perspective, Berlin's AI ecosystem is highly regarded for its entrepreneurial spirit, collaborative culture, and commitment to ethical AI development. As the capital continues to attract top talent and investment in AI, it serves as a beacon of innovation and excellence in the global AI.

Thank you for your time.