Designing a Chatbot

1. Designing a Chatbot • Using ALICE, AIML, and Pandorbots.com • Kamal Aboul-Hosn • Cornell University

2. How Does ALICE Work? • Implements AIML • Artificial Intelligence Modeling Language • Engine controls interface with person • Languages: Java, PHP, Lisp... • Allows for webpage, instant messenger, etc.

3. 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

4. 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>

5. The Basics of AIML • Category - basic unit of knowledge • Input - <pattern>...</pattern> • Output - <template>...</template> • Possibly a context - <that>...</that>

6. Different Inputs,The Same Output • 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

7. 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>

8. Combining Recurive Calls <category> <pattern>HI HOW ARE YOU</pattern> <template><srai>HELLO</srai> <srai>HOW ARE YOU</srai> </template> </category>

9. 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.”

10. Maintaining Context • 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>...?

11. Maintaining Context • Need a context to which the “yes” refers • Can use the bot’s last statement <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>

12. Matching Generic Phrases • How do we accept any user input? • Do not want a pattern for every possible phrase • Use the * and <star/> commands <category> <pattern>YOU ARE *</pattern> <template>Why do you say I am <star/>? </template> </category>

13. Using PandoraBots • 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”

14. Creating a New Bot

15. 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

16. Editing Bot Properties

17. 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”

18. Training the Bot

19. Training the Bot • Carry 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”

20. Teaching the Bot

21. 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