Robots, Androids, Al

4. Discussion

4.1. Look at the following statements and responses and try to work out why Eliza went wrong:

• To err is human

  COULD A MACHINE ERR IS HUMAN
• Who dares wins

  I THINK YOU KNOW THE ANSWER
• No one is more optimistic than myself

  AREN'T YOU BEING A LITTLE NEGATIVE
• Whatever my problems are not one of them gets me down

  CAN YOU ALWAYS EXPECT WHATEVER YOUR PROBLEMS TO BE ONE OF THEM GETS YOU DOWN

4.2 A more up-to date version of this program is available on-line at, for example: http://www.xs4all.nl/~hwiegman/ELIZA.HTM or http://nlp-addiction.com/chatbot/

Try talking to the program and share your impressions with the class. Did it seem intelligent to you? Give your reasons.

4.3. Think about the ways Eliza's performance can be improved. Make a list of your suggestions.

4.4 Prepare reports on other applications of robots and AI techniques.