How to add slot values dynamically to alexa skill

Question

I am new in Alexa development. I have successfully create an Alexa skill with AWS lambda function and Node.js code. This is my intent schema.

{
  "intents": [
    {
      "slots": [
        {
          "name": "locationName",
          "type": "LOCATION_LIST"
        }
      ],
      "intent": "locationIntent"
    }
  ]
}

Also I have used custom slot type "LOCATION_LIST" with following values.

kitchen
bedroom
bathroom
dining area

It's working fine. But I need to add more location values dynamically from my own service. Is it possible?

Based on my system architecture, we cant pre-defined the location names. Then what should i do?

Ron Lisle Ron Lisle · Accepted Answer · 2017-10-21T13:04:43

Yes, it may be possible to accomplish what you are asking.

First, let's clear something up about how slots work. As described in this Alexa blog post:

"When you create a custom slot type, a key concept to understand is that this is training data for Alexa’s NLP (natural language processing). The values you provide are NOT a strict enum or array that limit what the user can say. This has two implications 1) words and phrases not in your slot values will be passed to you, 2) your code needs to perform any validation you require if what’s said is unknown."

What this means is that you CAN receive words in the slot that you did not specifically list in the SLOT definition. So you just need to provide enough word examples in the SLOT list to help the Alexa NLP engine.

I suggest that you experiment with your current implementation, and try substituting a different location and see if Alexa can recognize and return it. Try writing the slot value to the log and see. You may be pleasantly surprised.

How to add slot values dynamically to alexa skill

3 Answers