Facebook will soon add a host of robots to its messenger app. The company is expected to announce this new feature at its F8 event for developers, from April 12-13.

The new addition is expected to add a new range of features to Facebook's messenger, including a "secret chats" options. The new feature "Bots" will help users order products, or return them, by just speaking to a robot. That robotic consumer service rep would be able to send back programmed replies - taking users through the entire process of returning a product that they do not like. The robots would not just be restricted to user service chats, but it will support features like push notifications for businesses to tell users that particular products are back in stock, or from news agencies to inform readers about breaking stories.

Like Us on Facebook

Facebook says 900 million people are using its direct message feature and there are more than one billion messages sent between people and businesses on messenger each month. So, this new feature is expected to help businesses connect with users and promote their products and services more directly.

Facebook's other messaging app WhatsApp reached 900 million users in September and 1 billion in February. Facebook is not asking users for any sort of subscription or per-message fee for operating on the platform. However, the company could still make money from chatbots and live chat customer support.

About 2.5 billion people have registered to use at least one messaging app globally, according to Activate, a technology and strategy consulting firm. The agency expects that number will reach 3.6 billion in 2018.

TagsFacebook, Robot, Secret Chat, business, Consumer