Neil: I'm Neil.
Rob: And I'm Rob.
Neil: Now, I'm sure most of us have interacted with a chatbot.
These are bits of computer technology that respond to text with text or respond to your voice.
You ask it a question and it usually comes up with an answer!
Rob: Yes, it's almost like talking to another human,
but of course it's not – it's just a clever piece of technology.
It is becoming more sophisticated – more advanced and complex,
but could they replace real human interaction altogether?
Neil: We'll discuss that more in a moment and find out if chatbots really think for themselves.
But first I have a question for you, Rob.
The first computer program that allowed some kind of plausible conversation
between humans and machines was invented in 1966,
but what was it called? Was it:
a) ALEXA
b) ELIZA
c) PARRY
Rob: It's not Alexa – that's too new – so I'll guess c) PARRY.
Neil: I'll reveal the answer at the end of the programme.
Now, the old chatbots of the 1960s and 70s were quite basic,