Foresights
Intelligent agents
What is it?
The term intelligent agent (sometimes referred to as 'software bot') describes a piece of self-contained computer software that is capable of autonomous action in order to achieve a particular goal or objective within a computing environment. Examples of computing environments include operating systems, computer applications, databases, and all kinds of networks. Tasks or goals may be set by a human user, a software application, business process or workflow, or by another agent.
Intelligent agents draw heavily on artificial intelligence (AI) technologies and algorithmic techniques. They are capable of experiencing their environment (via sensors) and learning from it to either adapt to it or influence it (via effectors). Agents react to changes and events within the system in which they operate and develop and refine goals, and also attempt to anticipate future actions. They can also collaborate with other agents in order to achieve their objectives.
The most common architecture for intelligent software agents is based around the belief, desire, intention (BDI) model in which an agent has:
- a set of beliefs – representing what the agent ‘knows’
- a set of desires – representing what goals the agent is trying to achieve
- a set of intentions – steps to achieve the current goal.
Together, these allow the agent to form plans – combinations of actions that enable the agent to further its intentions.
 To learn more about Intelligent agents, download our full Foresight PDF file ( 243 Kb; opens in a new window).
|
