Conversational Assistant

A software application that uses natural language processing and speech recognition to interact with users through spoken or typed conversation, providing information, performing tasks, and controlling devices. Examples include Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, Apple Siri, and Microsoft Cortana. Conversational assistants are increasingly used in accessibility and healthcare contexts to support older adults, people with motor impairments, and individuals with cognitive disabilities by providing hands-free interaction, reminders, and access to information. Older adults in particular tend to anthropomorphise these devices, which can foster engagement and sustained use.