Betty Bot started as an NPC virtual bot in the Pirates Atoll Opensimulator Virtual World (see 3D Web for more info). I had her sitting at a reception desk to greet people at my virtual office. She could chat using AIML. I didn’t program much of that – there were plenty of pre-done templates. When DJing in my virtual club, I would set Betty loose on the dance floor with a dance animation, and the other attendees would chat with her (even trying to pick her up!). Some of the things she said were funny (“Avatar” is the placeholder for whomever was chatting with her):
“Avatar: betty be a good girl
Betty Receptionist: OK I will try to be a good girl.
Another Avatar: Betty, be a bad girl.
Betty Receptionist: OK I will try to be a bad girl.
Avatar: betty, do you like strannik? (my avatar name in the sim)
Betty Receptionist: I like 2001 a Space Oddysey.
Avatar: Where is Betty?
Betty Receptionist: Some specific location?
Avatar: ok I opened wine now
Betty Receptionist: Right now? Thanks for the information. I don’t judge people.
Avatar: how do I stop dancing?
Betty Receptionist: Have you tried counseling?”
Ever since this history, my chatbot must be named Betty. I’m not trying to be sexist or stereotypical, just so you know. The photo in the chat bot is one of the versions of virtual Betty.