GeckoChat™ is a conversational AI system that allows the user to verbally interact with those GSI systems that have GeckoChat bilateral communication capability. For instance, GeckoChat™ provides a verbal interface for a pre-identified user to request answers to questions entered by a caregiver or family member, to create reminders for important events, or to pass the time with a joke or word game. Also, the Mobile Service Robot has a way to relate information it observes about both its world and its internal state through GeckoChat™. By combining these system-specific capabilities with the standalone functionality of GeckoChat™, GeckoSystems provides a robust method to increase interactivity and autonomy in any domain where automated speech recognition and synthesis would be beneficial.