This study reports on the bibliometric analysis of AI chatbots from 2004 to 2024 (20 years) from the Elsevier Scopus database. Through bibliographical analysis of 915 Scopus-indexed documents, the review found that this is very recent literature, with over 98.46% of the relevant documents published since 2016. The contributions of institutional publications by affiliation showed that University of Toronto had the highest number of publications. In this bibliometric analysis, we examine the application of AI-powered chatbots across various domains, focusing on their potential for service enhancement and the challenges associated with their implementation in universities and higher education environment. By reviewing selected research articles, we identify trends, patterns, and key contributors in this expanding field. Notably, AI chatbots offer numerous advantages, such as efficiently handling user inquiries, which are relevant across multiple sectors. We ensure the scientific validity of the study and provide a concise analysis of the existing literature. This bibliometric analysis aims to contribute to the knowledge base and facilitate discussions and planning for the effective deployment of AI chatbots in different sectors and also in university environment in future. In conclusion, this research offers practical recommendations to policymakers, industry leaders, and technology developers on the utilization of AI chatbots to maximize their positive impact and foster supportive environments across different industries in future.
