Arsenal enhance fan experience with AI-powered ‘Robot Pires’ chatbot

Arsenal FC have announced the launch of a new chat tool powered by artificial intelligence.

The chatbot will operate across social messaging channels including Facebook Messenger, Slack, Skype and Telegram, giving supporters easy access to the latest news, fixtures, results, videos, player stats and ticket information.

Fans will be able to personalise their experience by following various topics and players, and customising match alerts.

Named ‘Robot Pires’ and branded with a cartoon likeness of Gunners legend Robert Pires, the tool was developed with AI chat application platform GameOn.

Alex Beckman, founder and chief exec of GameOn, said in a statement on the club’s website: “We’re delighted to be working with Arsenal. As the way fans engage with teams evolves, there are more exciting and dynamic ways we can craft chatbots.

“Chatbots are a great way for clubs to evolve their platforms for speaking to fans, and we’re excited to work with Arsenal to help bring shape to the category.”

Arsenal’s senior content manager, Tom Hines, commented: “We’re constantly looking at ways to bring fans content that makes their matchday experience even more entertaining.

“Working with GameOn to craft the bot is the next step in us developing a hub for fans that houses the answers to all of their questions – that feels intuitively part of the Arsenal voice and experience.”

He added: “Fans feel a personal connection to Arsenal, and AI is more important than ever for us to give fans a personalised experience.”