Discover how the Natural Language Understanding (NLU) layer transforms traditional web apps into intelligent AI chatbots that understand open-ended user input. This episode unpacks the architectural shifts, business implications, and governance challenges leaders face when adopting AI-driven conversational platforms.

In this episode:

- Understand the strategic role of the NLU layer as the new ‘brain’ interpreting user intent and orchestrating backend systems dynamically.

- Explore the shift from deterministic workflows to probabilistic AI chatbots and how hybrid architectures balance flexibility with control.

- Learn about key AI tools like Large Language Models, Microsoft Azure AI Foundry, OpenAI function-calling, and AI agent frameworks.

- Discuss governance strategies including confidence thresholds, policy wrappers, and human-in-the-loop controls to maintain trust and compliance.

- Hear real-world use cases across industries showcasing improved user engagement and ROI from AI chatbot adoption.

- Review practical leadership advice for monitoring, iterating, and future-proofing AI chatbot architectures.

Key tools and technologies mentioned:

- Large Language Models (LLMs)

- Microsoft Azure AI Foundry

- OpenAI Function-Calling

- AI Agent Frameworks like deepset

- Semantic Cache and Episodic Memory

- Governance tools: Confidence thresholds, human-in-the-loop

Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction and episode overview

02:30 - Why the NLU layer matters for leadership

05:15 - The big architectural shift: deterministic to AI-driven

08:00 - Comparing traditional web apps vs AI chatbots

11:00 - Under the hood: how NLU, function-calling, and orchestration work

14:00 - Business impact and ROI of AI chatbots

16:30 - Risks, governance, and human oversight

18:30 - Real-world applications and industry examples

20:00 - Final takeaways and leadership advice

Resources:

- "Unlocking Data with Generative AI and RAG" by Keith Bourne - Search for 'Keith Bourne' on Amazon and grab the 2nd edition

- Visit Memriq at https://Memriq.ai for more AI insights and resources