# Virtual assistant: what it is and how it works · Zorraquino
> A virtual assistant is a system that helps people obtain information or perform tasks through a digital interface.
URL: https://www.zorraquino.com/en/dictionary/internet/virtual-assistant.html

# Virtual assistant

A virtual assistant is a system that helps people obtain information or perform tasks through a digital interface. It may communicate through text, voice or other means and use rules, AI models or a combination of both

What it means, how it is used and where it comes up, with its related concepts.

[The whole glossary](https://www.zorraquino.com/en/dictionary)

## What it is and how it works

Assistant, chatbot and agent describe different aspects: a support function, a conversational interface and the ability to decide on or carry out steps. These categories can overlap within one product. Understanding its scope requires knowing what it can do, what it needs to confirm and how it hands over a request it cannot resolve.

Also known as

digital assistant, voice assistant

Topics

[Technology and data](https://www.zorraquino.com/en/dictionary/category/tecnologia-y-datos)

## Related concepts

- [Siri](https://www.zorraquino.com/en/dictionary/internet/siri.html)
- [Chatbot](https://www.zorraquino.com/en/dictionary/digital-marketing/chatbot.html)
- [AI agent](https://www.zorraquino.com/en/dictionary/ai-agent)