AVATAR: Implementation of a Human-Computer Interface Based on an Intelligent Virtual Agent

Abstract

For several years the use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) has been questioned as a reason to diminish the social interaction between people. Although, it is not possible to remove ICT from our lives as we depend on them in many aspects, we can adapt them so that their use allows us to improve our social skills. This is the case of the Human-Computer Interface (HCI) and, especially those that involve emotions in a communication with machines similar to human interaction between peers. In this article, the implementation of an HCI based on an intelligent virtual agent is presented, with the possibility of learning basic information about the interlocutor and maintaining a short interaction on topics of general interest. The implementation was made in open-source software, generating not only a tool, but a development platform for other people to make contributions. The virtual agent was evaluated through short sessions with university students, who, according to a survey conducted, showed their acceptance of the interaction process.