Researchers developing humor-spotting robot

Considering that we've got androids who can toss together a more cohesive conversation than some human counterparts, it's a wonder that these mechanical pals still can't chuckle at our jokes. Now, however, a duo of researchers at the University of Cincinnati have built a computer program "that is able to get a specific type of joke, one whose crux is a simple pun." By loading up a database of words and then using relational programming to detect when a pun-involved joke is uttered, the bot can respond by laughing out loud and creeping any bystanders completely out. The inventors admit that the creature still misses out on some punch lines and still can't detect a broad range of humor, but future advancements could add some serious life to those drab home healthcare bots who will inevitably be fixing our oatmeal and keeping us company.

[NHAnimator @ Aug 2nd 2007 8:13AM]

Once a joke is detected, the robot automatically shifts into defensive mode, firing its laser-based weapons system at the joke-teller's throat area.

[601210 @ Aug 2nd 2007 9:42AM]

Or selfdestructs.

[Harry Wagstaff @ Aug 2nd 2007 8:15AM]

I for one welcome our coldly humorous, laughing robotic overlords.

[Tim @ Aug 2nd 2007 8:21AM]

Have they found a way of programming it so that it can laugh at Robin Williams?

[Chuckles McGee @ Aug 2nd 2007 8:52AM]

Danger danger Will Robi.buzz..Robin Williams!!

[Peter @ Aug 2nd 2007 8:26AM]

Bite my shiny metal ass!

[KR @ Aug 2nd 2007 8:48AM]

What person is going to be telling puns to their healthcare bot?

[L. Cyphre @ Aug 2nd 2007 9:27AM]

Damn, this thing's more advanced than Data!

[R. C. @ Aug 2nd 2007 9:57AM]

No, Data could recognise puns. In fact, after carefuly explaining the pun to the teller, he would the proceed to laugh in a really creepy way.

[Rynth @ Aug 2nd 2007 9:37AM]

Johnny 5 finds your comments most humorous. Ha Ha Ha.

[EDomain @ Aug 2nd 2007 11:02AM]

Great. Now, not only will the robots enslave us, they will laugh while they do it

[Ant @ Aug 2nd 2007 11:43AM]

they need a sarcasm detector for the internets.alot of people will benefit

[blackfeather @ Aug 2nd 2007 12:06PM]

"Hello, humor-spotting robot."

"UUUuhuhuh huh huhuh Uuuhuhhuh... you said, 'pot'... huh huhhuh"

I can't wait.

[elan @ Aug 2nd 2007 4:18PM]

Great, this one is gonna ruin all the jokes.

[David @ Aug 2nd 2007 8:09PM]

Come on sucker, lick my battery.

[AuraithX @ Aug 2nd 2007 10:39PM]

We haven't even got the basics down - why can't we make a robot that just WALKS like a normal human and doesn't look like a cardboard box

[apdingfield @ Aug 2nd 2007 10:40PM]

"So I said Super-Collider? I hardly know her...And then the built the Super-Collider."