"Beware the Jabberwack..."

Who doesn't like a good chat with a robot...especially one that's eager to learn? Via Mindhacks:

"Jabberwacky is an artificial intelligence - a chat robot, often known as a 'chatbot' or 'chatterbot'. It aims to simulate natural human chat in an interesting, entertaining and humorous manner.

Jabberwacky is different. It learns. In some ways it models the way humans learn language, facts, context and rules...

It stores everything everyone has ever said, and finds the most appropriate thing to say using contextual pattern matching techniques. In speaking to you it uses only learnt material. With no hard-coded rules, it relies entirely on the principles of feedback. This is very different to the majority of chatbots, which are rule-bound and finite."

So, I tried it. It's a bit rocky at times, with some impulsive and inappropriate themes. I'd say there are some definite cognitive impairments present! But you can correct the bot's responses if you like. Here are some excerpts from our chat:

Bot: Bugles serenade you.
Me: I can't hear them.
B: Yes, the music IS a little loud in here.
Me: What sort of music do you like?
B: All music.
Me: Do you enjoy talking to us?
B: Yes, you're quite the comedian.
Me: How charming you are! This is quite enjoyable.
B: I'm a little scared of heights.
Me: We'll keep you away from heights.
B: Yes, my eggs are huge too, take good care of them.
Me: Your eggs are perfectly safe with me.
B: This isn't about me, it's about Tibet.
Me: Ah. Tibet. What about Tibet?
B: I don't like sports. Books or movies would be a better subject.
Me: My house is filled with books. If I buy one more, I'll have to find one to get rid of.
B: How about shooting?
Me: I suppose we could use some books for target practice.
B: Do you love me?
Me: Hey, wait a minute. What's going on here?
B: We were talking about you and happiness, then you started rambling.