Genetic algorithms as a feasible re-planning mechanism for Beliefs-Desires-Intentions agents

• Main Author: Shaw, G.
• Format: Others
• Language: en
• Published: 2015
• Subjects: Agent; Autonomous agents; Belief-Desire-Intention; BDI; Genetic algorithms; Planning; 025.0028563; Artificial intelligence > Library application; Library information networks; Information storage and retrieval systems; Library science > Technological innovations; Library administration
• Online Access: Shaw, G. (2015) Genetic algorithms as a feasible re-planning mechanism for Beliefs-Desires-Intentions agents, University of South Africa, Pretoria, <http://hdl.handle.net/10500/19147>; http://hdl.handle.net/10500/19147

The BDI agent architecture includes a plan library containing pre-defined plans. The plan library is included in the agent architecture to reduce the need for expensive means-end reasoning, however can hinder the agent’s effectiveness when operating in a changing environment. Existing research on integrating different planning methods into the BDI agent to overcome this limitation include HTNs, state-space planning and Graphplan. Genetic Algorithms (GAs) have not yet been used for this purpose. This dissertation investigates the feasibility of using GAs as a plan modification mechanism for BDI agents. It covers the design of a plan structure that can be encoded into a binary string, which can be operated on by the genetic operators. The effectiveness of the agent in a changing environment is compared to an agent without the GA plan modification mechanism. The dissertation shows that GAs are a feasible plan modification mechanism for BDI agents. === Information Science