Aeon is an experimental, machine-intelligence .NET conversational-agent runtime. It combines configurable text normalization, pattern-based dialogue matching, participant-specific predicates, and file-backed personality data.
The project is under active development and is intended for research, demonstration, and controlled experimentation. It is not represented as a general-purpose or safety-critical autonomous system.
The runtime loads a configured personality and supports terminal conversations. The checked-in Rhodo personality is the default demonstration configuration. Learning, emotional behavior, and broader embodiment features remain experimental.
| Path | Purpose |
|---|---|
Aeon.Library |
Core interpreter, normalization, dialogue processing, and utilities. |
Aeon.Runtime |
.NET console host, configuration, personalities, and runtime assets. |
Aeon.Library.SmokeTests |
Dependency-free regression checks for core library contracts. |
docs |
Reference material, validation documents, patent material, and development notes. |
docs/user-manual |
Central LaTeX user, architecture, authoring, and extension manual. |
media |
Demonstration media. |
Aeon targets .NET 10. The checked-in Rhodo personality and configuration are copied beside the runtime during the build.
dotnet build Aeon.Runtime/Aeon.Runtime.csproj --configuration Release
dotnet run --project Aeon.Runtime/Aeon.Runtime.csproj --configuration Release --no-buildEnter a message and press Enter. Type exit to end the console session, or quit to leave terminal mode. Transcripts and diagnostic logs are written below the runtime output directory: bin/<configuration>/net10.0/logs.
Text output works without additional software. To enable speech on Linux without access to any private package, install eSpeak NG and enable the bundled fallback in Aeon.Runtime/config/settings.xml:
sudo apt install espeak-ng<item name="voiceenabled" value="true"/>
<item name="voicebackend" value="espeak"/>Then run Aeon normally. The default fallback uses espeak-ng and the en-us voice; customize espeakcommand or espeakvoice in the same settings file if needed. Set voicebackend to auto to prefer the optional AeonVoice backend when it has been included, while retaining eSpeak NG as the fallback.
Authorized Linux x64 users can include the private AeonVoice package for the Toptygin and Leena profiles. Copy NuGet.Private.config.example to NuGet.Config, authenticate to GitHub Packages using local credentials, and run:
dotnet run --project Aeon.Runtime/Aeon.Runtime.csproj --configuration Release -p:UsePrivateAeonVoice=trueThis enhancement is optional: do not add the private feed or build property when using eSpeak NG alone.
Run the dependency-free smoke tests after changes to the interpreter or participant state:
dotnet run --project Aeon.Library.SmokeTests/Aeon.Library.SmokeTests.csproj --configuration ReleaseThe smoke tests currently cover participant-state isolation and request ownership. The command-line session above remains the end-to-end runtime check.
- Personality files are loaded in deterministic order, so category replacement is consistent across operating systems.
- Participant predicates are private to each conversation; one participant's state does not affect another's.
- Startup exits clearly when required configuration or personality categories cannot be loaded.
- The interpreter uses pattern-based rules; personality data should be reviewed and tested with the behavior it is intended to produce.
The central guide for operation, theory, personality authoring, commands, state, extension code, testing, and responsible deployment is the Aeon User Manual. Build it with pdflatex from docs/user-manual; that directory's README includes the exact command.
Aeon originated as a conversational software project in 2003 and has been developed across several software and hardware experiments. Its current focus is a maintainable .NET runtime and a high-quality interactive experience. Historical reference material is retained in docs.
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Aeon is provided under the Aeon Proprietary Reference-Only License. It may be viewed, studied, and evaluated for personal or internal reference; other use requires prior written permission from Cartheur.