Introducing Nelson, Our New AI Research Companion
Southern Pulse recently introduced a new AI-powered tool called Nelson, which is designed to help answer your questions about Latin America. Here’s what you need to know about why we built it, how it works, and how it can assist with your research.
What is Nelson?
Nelson is an AI research companion focused on Latin America. It is built to answer questions about a wide range of topics ranging from organized crime to climate change, politics, economics and more.
What does “research companion” mean? What does Nelson do, exactly?
It means that Nelson is designed to guide you and help you with your research. Ask him questions about Latin America in English, Spanish, Portuguese, or any other language and he gives you answers.
OK, that raises a whole set of questions. Where does he get his information from?
Nelson only has access to a set of files and documents we’ve curated for him. These files include research we have undertaken ourselves in our 20 years working in Latin America, as well as information from trusted sources we have selected. You can see the list of sources Nelson uses here.
How do I know his answer is accurate?
Nelson provides sources and further reading at the end of his answers, so you can always check where he got the information from or read more on the topic.
If he doesn’t know the answer, will he just make one up?
He’ll just tell you he doesn’t know! We don’t expect Nelson to know about everything in the world, as he is highly specialized in providing information about Latin America. So when that happens, he’ll simply say he doesn’t have an answer and offer some follow-up questions on topics he’s more knowledgeable about.
How is Nelson different from ChatGPT or any other mainstream AI platform?
The main difference is that Nelson only has access to the files and data we’ve curated for him. He doesn’t know anything beyond what we’ve taught him. He’s designed to answer questions about Latin America and provides answers using only the vetted sources we provide.
Interesting. So, how does Nelson work?
Imagine you’ve been tasked with writing a brief on a Mexican criminal organization before a trip to Cancun. Or, maybe you want to wrap your head around the investment risks and opportunities tied to Argentina’s lithium market or security concerns related to Ecuador’s mining industry. Rather than Googling endlessly and sifting through information from dodgy websites, Nelson can accompany you through the process by providing answers using vetted sources. You could begin by asking Nelson a broad question about a topic, and then ask him follow-up questions to gain a deeper understanding of certain issues. He can also suggest further questions to continue your investigation.
Does this mean Nelson could replace me as an analyst?
No. Nelson has two main disadvantages compared with an analyst: He can’t think, and he’s not designed to be a writer. Nelson is great at retrieving information, but he can’t make the kind of connections that we humans do. So, Nelson will never provide you with an original insight — that’s still your job. Also, he’s not designed to be a writer. He can write short pieces and rough drafts that can help you craft outlines, talking points, and more. However, the information in the drafts and memos he provides should be edited, checked for context, and properly cited.
Nelson is meant to help you save time and money on research. While he can help shorten the time it takes to prepare a high-level C-suite brief or quickly point you to government data during a team call, he is not meant to replace humans.
I have to ask: Why the name Nelson?
I’m glad you asked! Nelson is named after a black Labrador. Born in the Andes of Ecuador, he was adopted as a puppy by backpackers and followed them all the way south to Buenos Aires. That’s where Nelson met Cate, Southern Pulse’s director of operations. Since then, Nelson has become the company’s unofficial mascot. He has traveled the region from the Andes to the Pampas and grown up across Latin America’s vast contrasts — just like much of our team.
I’m intrigued. Can I try Nelson before purchasing a license?
Of course! Sign up for a free trial here. If you like it, take a look at pricing here. Get in touch to make a purchase, request a demo, or request a call so we can answer your questions.
Wherever it may be in Latin America, Southern Pulse has the experience, network, and relationships to simplify this challenging region with honest, direct answers to your most complicated questions.
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