Scottish developers admit the the program they have developed generates "terrible jokes", but remind everyone that,ironic or not, comedy was not its main purpose.

In fact, the System to Augment Non-speakers Dialogue Using Puns, (the Standup project) was designed as an effective tool for children in need of computerized speech aids. According to the researchers at the Universities of Dundee, Aberdeen and Edinburgh, the program uses jokes to develop one's language and communication skills, thus helping children who cannot speak.

Furthermore, the scientist have a good argument to justify their efforts: "the kids love them"

The process works as following: first, children are asked to choose a word; then the program conducts a search in its dictionary and constructs a joke, using the chosen word as part of the punch line.

"Basically, the computer comes up with novel jokes, many of which are terrible. [...]Children who are developing on a typical development track actually tell very unfunny jokes, so we have provided that facility for non-speaking children as well." (Dr Annalu Waller, researcher at the University of Dundee)

Here's a list of jokes that the program was able to generate:

- What do you get when you cross a car with a sandwich? A traffic jam
- What do you call a strange rabbit? A funny bunny
- What do you call a frog road? A main toad
- What do you call artist who is a minister? A pastor master.