1. Agents in the previous examples Agents are just 3D objects in virtual worlds Agents are not independent thread. No agent architecture. ……

2. Agent: Definitions An agent is an entity which can be programmed to conduct complex behavior. An agent is a piece of software which acts to accomplish tasks on behalf of its user [McGill, 1996]. An agent is anything that can be viewed as perceiving its environment through sensors and acting upon that environment through effectors [Russell and Norvig, 1995].

3. Simple Reflex Agents Environment Agent EffectorsSensors

4. Decision-Making Agents Environment Agent EffectorsSensors Decision-making Component

5. Decision Making Action 1 Action2 Action n Outcome 1 Outcome 2 Outcome n Current Situation

6. BDI Agents Environment Agent EffectorsSensors BDI Component Desires Intentions Beliefs

7. Intelligent Agents: Main Features Autonomy: the system should be able to act without the direct intervention of others and should have control over its own actions and internal state. Responsiveness : Agents should perceive their environment and respond in a timely fashion to changes that occur in it. Pro-activity : Agents should not simply act in response to their environment. They should be able to exhibit opportunistic, goal- directed behavior and make the initiative where appropriate. Socialness: Agents should be able to interact, when they deem appropriate, with other artificial agents and humans in order to complete their own problem solving and to help others with their activities.

8. Agent Technology Online Resources The Agent Home Page http://www.agent.org/ The AgentLinks Home Page http://www.agentlink.org/