gpaida is a general purpose artificially intelligent desktop agent. It is a software agent intended to be extensible by users and learn from users.

gpaida is based on an approach to a.i. known as the child machine hypothesis, which states that the first intelligent machines will not be built intelligent, but will learn and develop in a manner similar to how children develop.


1. What will make your program different from other desktop agents and chatbots?

gpaida will be different from other desktop agents and chatbots in several ways.

• gpaida will have the potential to be symbol grounded. Given sufficient sensorimoter systems, gpaida will be sufficiently flexible to associate sensory data with symbols. Unlike other programs that depend on infinite regress to define symbols, gpaida will be able to determine a symbol's referent.
• gpaida will be extensible. Users and gpaida itself will be able to create modules that gpaida will be able use to extend its abilities. Unlike other programs, the only limit on what gpaida will be able to do is the maximum capabilities of its hardware and user and gpaida designed software.
• gpaida will be flexible. gpaida's architecture will allow it to direct the input it receives and its output in a myriad of ways. Unlike other programs, it will not be limited to displaying output to a predefined label or receiving input from a predefined textbox, but it will be able to send its data to files or any other module or program it wishes to send data to and it will be able to receive or obtain data from any module or program.
• gpaida will be powerful. Not only will gpaida be able to thread and multiprocess, it also will have the potential to be fast. Using C extensions with Python, gpaida will be flexible as well as efficient.
• gpaida will be a multiple agent system. Not only will individual users be able to assign tasks to multiple agents, agents will have the ability to network with other agents locally and globally to collaborate on tasks.
• gpaida will have the potential to be autonomous. Unlike other systems which require delineation of every goal or turn based interaction, a sufficiently well taught and programmed gpaida will be able to act independently, plan new goals, or take initiative.
• gpaida will be able to interface with appropriately designed neural network programs.

2. Can a computer program learn?

A computer program can learn. Learning is acquiring new data or abilities. A well designed program can obtain data from other software and hardware and record it as well as interface with programs that provide new software or hardware capabilities.

3. That isn't learning! In that sense an operating system learns every time it obtains a new program or driver. Learning is a conscious act. Can a computer program be conscious?

Several types of human learning involve consciousness. Even though relatively little is understood about consciousness, I think we know enough to attempt to simulate it. Consciousness involves memorization, sensation, and reflexiveness. Computer programs can store and recall data. They can obtain data. They can also examine the contents of memory, their own code, and possibly the data that is being processed - instructions and data in processor registers and caches. It is possible that consciousness can be programmed into gpaida, taught to gpaida, or elicited as an emergent propery from gpaida's basic capabilities.

4. What license will this be under?

The GNU GPL license.

5. Does that mean this program will be open source?

Yes.

6. Will I be compensated for my contributions?

No. This is a project for volunteers only.

7. I'm definitely interested! How can I contribute?

There are several ways you can contribute to the project.

• I need creative people to help me complete and flush out the design of the program.
• I need people experienced with web development to help create a web site to serve as a home to the project and community involved with the project.
• I need people experienced with Python and the Python standard modules or who are willing to collaborate on Python to implement the design into code.
• I need people to design and code the basic modules as well as produce new modules to entice new members to use the program and become members of the program's community after release.

8. What should I do if I wish to discuss the project with you?

Please contact me via private message.