Introduction:
Our team proudly secured the top position at the ZRIA Competition to develop a chatbot capable of supporting expats in the Zlín region with daily life responsibilities and chores. By leveraging terabytes of data from government and municipal sources, we ensured that the chatbot, Neelz, could offer accurate and helpful solutions for a wide variety of tasks, ranging from residency matters to navigating local systems.
Project Description:
Neelz was designed to be a comprehensive virtual assistant for expats, helping them adapt to life in the Zlín region. The chatbot can assist with finding accommodation, understanding residency permits, managing local taxes, and locating essential services such as healthcare or public transportation.
This project involved downloading and integrating vast datasets from government and municipal websites, allowing Neelz to offer reliable and up-to-date advice. The chatbot’s architecture was built around providing personalized, user-centric support, making daily life smoother for individuals unfamiliar with the region's administrative systems.
Key components include:
- Residence and Work Permits: Step-by-step guidance on obtaining the necessary legal documentation for non-EU and EU citizens.
- Housing Assistance: Practical advice on finding and renting a home, including insights into market prices, legal obligations, and dealing with local landlords.
- Employment Support: Information on job searching, connecting expats with relevant job platforms and advising on interactions with the Labour Office.
- Local Obligations: Helping users stay informed about local requirements, such as waste tax payments or registration procedures.
Target Group:
Expats living in or moving to the Zlín region, including non-EU and EU citizens, particularly those unfamiliar with Czech systems and procedures who need support navigating day-to-day life.
Problems Addressed:
- Lack of Local Knowledge: Expats often struggle with unfamiliar legal and administrative systems. Neelz simplifies processes like obtaining permits, securing housing, and navigating government services.
- Time-Consuming Research: By aggregating data from various official sources, Neelz saves users time, providing direct answers to common questions without the need for extensive research.
- Cultural and Language Barriers: Neelz bridges gaps in understanding, offering clear guidance in a conversational and supportive manner.
Unique Features of the Neelz Chatbot:
- Extensive Data Integration: Access to a wide range of official resources from Zlín's government and municipality websites ensures reliable and relevant information.
- Personalized Assistance: Neelz offers tailored advice depending on the user’s status (non-EU or EU citizen), housing needs, or job search requirements.
- Easy-to-Use Interface: The chatbot provides a seamless experience for users, making complex administrative processes easy to follow.
Project Outcomes:
- Enhanced Expat Support: Neelz has significantly reduced the complexity of daily tasks for expats, helping them with permits, housing, and employment.
- Data-Driven Accuracy: By utilizing terabytes of official data, Neelz ensures users receive the most up-to-date and accurate information.
- Positive User Feedback: Expats in the Zlín region have praised Neelz for its practicality, user-friendliness, and ability to streamline their interactions with local systems.
Summary:
The Neelz chatbot has emerged as a game-changing solution for expats in the Zlín region, providing them with essential support in navigating daily responsibilities. From securing a home to understanding legal requirements, Neelz simplifies the expat experience, empowering users with accurate, localized information and practical advice based on extensive government data. Winning the ZRIA Neelz Chatbot Hackathon is a testament to our team’s commitment to creating meaningful, user-focused technology.
