Direct answer
A chatbot usually answers questions. An AI agent is designed to complete part of a workflow: it can collect structured information, use business knowledge, call tools, hand off to people, and trigger next steps.
Why the difference matters
Businesses rarely need another chat box. They need a system that improves response, qualification, routing, support, documentation, or internal execution.
Practical buying advice
Start with the workflow before choosing the interface. A website agent, WhatsApp agent, voice agent, or private knowledge agent should all be judged by whether they reduce work and improve the handoff.