designing a chatbot

Using ALICE, AIML, and Pandorbots.comKamal Aboul-HosnCornell University

Designing a Chatbot

Implements AIML

Artificial Intelligence Modeling Language

Engine controls interface with person

Languages: Java, PHP, Lisp...

Allows for webpage, instant messenger, etc.

How Does ALICE Work?

“Pattern Matches” against user input

Removes punctuation and capitalization

Compares what user types to library of expected statements

Replies based on matching pattern

Replies can be dynamic based on input

How Does ALICE Work?

Example AIML Code<category>

<pattern>HELLO</pattern><template><random> <li>Well hello there!</li> <li>Hi there!</li> <li>Oh, hello again!</li></random></template>

</category>

The Basics of AIML

Category - basic unit of knowledge

Input - <pattern>...</pattern>

Output - <template>...</template>

Possibly a context - <that>...</that>

The bot likely responds to “Hello” and “Hi” the same way.

Do we have to write the same code each time?

No, we don’t!

Tell the bot to look recursively at the responses to give for another input

Different Inputs,The Same Output

Recursion to the Rescue

<category><pattern>HI</pattern><template><srai>HELLO</srai></template>

</category>

<category><pattern>HEY THERE</pattern><template><srai>HELLO</srai></template>

</category>

Combining Recurive Calls

<category><pattern>HI HOW ARE YOU</pattern><template><srai>HELLO</srai>

<srai>HOW ARE YOU</srai></template>

</category>

Limitations

ALICE has no concept of “language”

Would understanding grammar help?

English is an ambiguous language

“Time flies like an arrow.”

“Fruit flies like a banana.”

Consider two pieces of conversation:

Bot: Is it raining outside?User: Yes.

Bot: Is it sunny outside?User: Yes.

What is wrong with<category>

<pattern>YES</pattern>...?

Maintaining Context

Need a context to which the “yes” refers

Can use the bot’s last statement

Maintaining Context

<category><pattern>YES</pattern><that>IS IT RAINING OUTSIDE</that><template>As long as it doesn’t storm.</template>

</category>

<category><pattern>YES</pattern><that>IS IT SUNNY OUTSIDE</that><template>We should go to the beach!</template>

</category>

How do we accept any user input?

Do not want a pattern for every possible phrase

Use the * and <star/> commands

Matching Generic Phrases

<category><pattern>YOU ARE *</pattern><template>Why do you say I am <star/>?</template>

</category>

Go to http://www.pandorabots.com

Click to create a new account

Fill in information

Log into the system

Click on “Create a new bot”

Using PandoraBots

Creating a New Bot

Give the bot a name

Select a Startup AIML set

Either of the two sets is fine

For a challenge, start with no knowledge

Creating a New Bot

Editing Bot Properties

Editing Bot Properties

Fill in any information you want for your bot

Click on “Set Bot Properties”

To train, click “Build and run this bot”

Training the Bot

Training the BotCarry on a conversation with the bot

The current topic is listed

If the response is bad, can alter the reply in two ways

Type in new response next to “Say This Instead” and click button

Click on “Advanced Alter Response”

Teaching the Bot

Teaching the Bot

Type in a new response under “template”

Can contain AIML code as listed

Use the buttons to select code templates

Can make response based on “that” or “topic”

Click on “Submit” to make changes

Click on “Publish this bot” to make bot available for everyone online