Intelligent Agents: The Key Concepts

Abstract

Abstract. This chapter aims to introduce the reader to the basic issues surrounding the design and implementation of intelligent agents. It begins by motivating the idea of an agent, presents a definition of agents and intelligent agents. The article then goes on to discuss four major approaches to building agents. First, logic based architectures are reviewed, in which decision-making is viewed as logical deduction. Second, reactive architectures are discussed, in which symbolic representations and models are eschewed in favour of a closer relationship between agent perception and action. Third, we discuss belief-desire-intention architectures, in which decision making is viewed as practical reasoning from beliefs about how the world is and will be to the options available to an agent, and finally to intentions and actions. Fourth, we review layered agent architectures, in which decision making is partitioned into a number of different decision making layers, each dealing with the agent's environment at a different level of abstraction.

A multi-agent decentralized energy management system based on distributed intelligence for the design and control of autonomous polygeneration microgrids

“…Two kinds of agents are presented based on the flow control to their layered architecture [49]. The first kind are based in horizontal layering.…”

Multi-agent systems applied for energy systems integration: State-of-the-art applications and trends in microgrids

“…The use of AI techniques in modern systems has been investigated and tested in various real life applications [62]. Key concepts regarding agents intelligence were pointed out by Wooldridge [63]. MAS are used as distributed AI tools that, differently from classical AI, underpins its research on the possibility of learning from social phenomena [64].…”

$$\mathrm {AC}^{3}$$M: The Agent Coordination and Cooperation Cognitive Model

“…The definition and discussion of agency theory, agents and multi-agent systems have been a topic of interest for many years and are summarised in [18][19][20][21]. An important aspect of intelligent agent theory is an agent's ability to react, perceive, decide and act within their environment [21].…”