URC launches Virtual Assistant for consumers powered by AI

Continuing its commitment to integrate AI into its products and services, a pledge made at CEDIA 2022, URC has launched a new Virtual Assistant powered by artificial intelligence for consumers.

Complementing URC’s Virtual Assistant on its dealer portal which was launched in February, the new consumer virtual tool permits 24/7 communication surrounding URC’s Total Control and Complete Control product lines and enables consumers to find a certified URC dealer.

“As artificial intelligence 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,” said Chang K. Park, founder and CEO of URC. “As we plan for the future, our focus continues to be squarely on aiding our dealers in growing and evolving their business in the changing marketplace.”

Prior to the launch, URC did extensive research. Some of the findings that infused the development strategy include:

  • 4bn people actively use messaging apps. In fact, chatbots experienced a remarkable 92% increase in usage since 2019.
  • 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 this year, URC launched a Virtual Assistant to aid dealers with answers to a vast 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. This expanded products and technical support tools to URC’s domestic and international dealer and distributor communities.

Based on this launch, URC is releasing a similar tool to aid consumers in addressing questions about residential and commercial automation solutions. While the Virtual Assistant will continuously evolve and improve, the current solution is a game-changer for consumers in need of 24/7 answers to questions. This tool is part of a broader plan to enhance consumer understanding of automation, enhance the user experience, and drive awareness and preference for URC products.

“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 leveraging ultra-realistic, Virtual Reality,” added 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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