They're programmed to know about investments and help you with your funds. Artificial Life's Karambakkam says some people love bots and some people hate them, but the acceptance rate is increasing. They're not meant to replace humans, just complement them. You may not be able to complete a transaction with a bot, but the bot prepares you for the live adviser who will help you complete the transaction. Clemmer at Forrester research says bots can be a viable technology for banks.
Bots are interesting.
If there's a way to offload the burden on call center reps and engage the customer in the channel they've chosen for interaction, that's better for the customer and cheaper for the bank. I'd be curious to see what automated help can do for people. The new ATMs can do everything from print a statement to cash a check down to the penny. They can even sell stamps or concert tickets if the bank wants the machine programmed that way. Check cashing ATMs are on many banks' wish lists.