Fantastic thread and hope we all are able to learn and share awesome code and methods in implementing the use of AI in various areas.
Interface looks great Keeper !
Language
I think you need to decide what language you would like to code the AI thoughts, memory and responses in. I would opt for the standard natural language of AIML
see for more info. Also read upon the use of XML files to understand the use of AIML better which is a deritive of XML.
I prefer using mIRC script as I have created some very powerful AI Bots using mIRC scripting that can calculate, can open any program on your PC, can keep an intelligent conversation, can store data to any format i.e .txt, .ini, sql db etc.. But unfortunately uses mIRC as the interpreter and parser. If someone could create a interpreter based on mIRC scripting I would be over the moon in glee
For you in your case I would definately settle for using AIML as your natural language as the output and function options are quiet adequate for what you would like to do.
Code:
[B]Example use of AIML[/B]
<aiml>
<category>
<pattern>HI *</pattern>
<template><srai>Hi</srai></template>
</category>
<category>
<pattern>HELLO *</pattern>
<template><srai>Hi</srai></template>
</category>
<category>
<pattern>HI</pattern>
<template>Hello how are you ?</template>
</category>
<category>
<that>Hello how are you ?</that>
<pattern>* FINE *</pattern>
<template>
<random>
<li>Oh!! Just fine ?</li>
<li>Everyone says Fine, come be different</li>
<li>Fine, try be good :)</li>
</random>
</template>
</category>
</aiml>
Editor
Then get yourself an
AIML editor unless you prefer using Notepad or Notepad++(which I prefer by miles)
Interpreter/Parser
Now you need to decide what enviroment you are comfortable with i.e Java, Ruby, Python, C++, C#, Pascal etc.
For quick testing of the AIML files I would use
J-Alice, it is dormant so I would code my main AI program in either
C#/.Net,
C++/Qt,
PHP/mySQL or
Java/J2EE
For some examples and free AIML sets get more info
here
If you decide to use ProgramD(Java/J2EE) and it's listeners get more info
here
Hope that helps Keeper and best of luck with your project.
I am busy coding an AIML interpreter/parser from scratch in C# using the aiml.dll library for the various outputs and functions I intend to use AI for and will upload examples when I feel I am ready to do so.
If anyone is able to look at the mIRC program and code an interpreter/parser for the mIRC scripting language I would be truly greatful as I believe that would create giant steps in the ability to use unlimited functions on various platforms as I believe the AIML language versus mIRC scripting is still somewhat limited.
And I thought that I tackle ambitious projects. You've raised the bar. 
