The Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service developed an AI chatbot to plug in with growing digital audiences.

The chatbot pulls information based on 400,000 publications, articles and other research from 30 state extension networks, including the OSU Extension and the U.S. Department of Agriculture, to answer questions. People can ask questions on agriculture, natural resources and health.

Damona Doye, associate vice president of the extension, said in a press release that the service wants to use AI technology effectively and give people information how they want it.

“Having an AI chatbot on our website that generates responses based on extension and research publications that are unbiased, research-based and peer-reviewed ensures the integrity of the response,” Doye said in the press release. “Users will be better informed to ask specific questions of local educators and specialists about their unique situations.”

The chatbot launched in September on the extension’s website and other system sites after beta testing. It’s paid for through the New Technologies in Ag Extension grant from the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture.

David Warren, senior director of integrated digital strategies for OSU Agriculture and AI program leader for the Extension Foundation, worked with the foundation’s IT manager. The team worked with Oregon State University and the University of Florida.

Warren said the chatbot was developed with many steps to make it the most accurate AI available.

While extension offices are open during business hours, he says people outside of the hours might have questions about how to plant a garden over the weekend. He said many clients don’t visit extension offices in person.

“We value our digital customers as much as we value the people willing to walk into a local Extension office,” Warren said in the press release.