The days of the weather man could be numbered. Researchers from London and Edinburgh are developing a computer that can collate meteorological information and then produce forecasts as if they were written by a human. Useing a process known as 'natural language generation' (NLG), it has the potential to one day be used in humanoid robots on our TV screens. The days of weather presenters (stock image) could be numbered .Researchers from London and Edinburgh have developed a computer that can collate meterological information and then produce forecasts as if they were written by a human. It uses a process known as 'natural language generation' (NLG) These computer-generated weather updates are being being tested by scientists at Heriot-Watt University and University College London. Using Met Office data, the researchers are developing new algorithms for automatically generating detailed reports. If the project is successful, a prototype system will be tested by generating local weather reports on the BBC's website. Currently, the BBC website features 10 reports written by meteorologists. Each of these forecasts cover a large area of the country, such as London and South East England, but there are more than 20,000 individual locations that need tailored reports. Using Met Office data, the researchers are developing new algorithms for automatically generating weather reports. If the project is successful a prototype system will be tested by generating local weather reports on the MailOnline's website (shown), which currently features just 10 reports for large areas of the country . NLG is the process of producing readable texts in English, or other languages, automatically on a computer. Typically, the program starts with statistics and figures, or any information that isn't written in language. This includes tables of numerical data or a collection of entries in a database. NLG is the process of producing readable texts in English, or other languages, automatically on a computer. Typically, the program starts with statistics and figures, or any information that isn't written in language. These includes tables of numerical data or a collection of entries in a database. Alternatively, NLG will rephrase a block of texts to make it easier to read and understand. It is often referred to as a translator that converts computer speak into natural language, which is tricky for computers due to variances in tone and grammar. Alternatively, NLG will rephrase a block of text to make it easier to read and understand. It is often referred to as a translator that converts computer speak into natural language, which is tricky for computers due to variances in tone and grammar. The project is called Domain-Independent Language Generation (DILiGENt) and is being run by Dr Verena Rieser from Heriot-Watt University's School of Mathematical and Computer Science, with Dr Andreas Vlachos and Dr Sebastian Riedel from the Computer Science department at University College London. 'Machine learning for Natural Language Processing (NLP) is what DILiGENt is all about,' said Dr Rieser. 'Large companies such as Microsoft, Amazon and Yahoo are making substantial new investments in this field and there are start-up opportunities emerging. 'The UK is a world leader in this kind of research but we are under-represented in using machine learning approaches for NLG. This project will help to strengthen this research strand.' These developments could also help overcome problems with Apple's Siri or Google Voice which often offer repetitive responses to questions or directions.
Researchers are developing a computer that can write weather forecasts . It takes meteorological data and writes a report designed to mimic a human . This process is known as 'natural language generation' (NLG) A prototype system will be tested on the BBC website later this year .