Intelligent Agents

• An agent ...
  • Senses a problem (often requires intelligence)
  • Generates a solution (always requires intelligence)
    • Problem representation
    • Search for a solution
    • Knowledge for search guidance
  • Actuates the solution (occasionally requires intelligence)

    

• The Environment
  • An intelligent agent exists in an environment that contains problems that the agent solves.
  • The complexity of the environment may stimulate or require complex (intelligent) activity.
  • Provides the meaning for all problem solving activity
  • Is a source of knowledge that may be extracted by the sensors

  R&N views

• Emergent intelligence: Societies of agents
  • Colonies exhibit intelligence (brains, ants, bakers, stock market) with limited individual agent intelligence
  • Autonomous agents with specific capabilities
  • Situated agents are aware of their part of the environment
  • Communicative agents interact productively
  • Structured societies are coordinated
  • Societies are emergent - the whole is more intelligent than the sum of the parts.
  • Need CS tools for these aspects

    

Interesting Questions

1. What are the three components of a classic definition of a problem?
2. Describe the operation of the Turing test as a criteria for success in artificial intelligence.
3. Draw a labelled diagram showing the components of an intelligent agent.
4. What facet of Philosophy suggests that the mind operates according to physical laws? What implications does this have for AI?
5. Name three important contributions to AI from Mathematics.
6. Describe how the rapid improvements in computer hardware have advanced the capabilities of AI systems.
7. Name and briefly (maximum 20 words each) describe N AI application areas.
8. The Physical Symbol System hypothesis states that "A Physical Symbol System has the necessary and sufficient means for general intelligent action." What is the structure of a Physical Symbol System?
9. In the context of physical symbol systems, what are meant by "designation" and "interpretation"?
10. Describe the five requirements of completeness and closure for a physical symbol system.