The KGP model of agency

Abstract

This paper presents a new model of agency, called the KGP (Knowledge, Goals and Plan) model. This draws from the classic BDI model and proposes a hierarchical agent architecture with a highly modular structure that synthesises various reasoning and sensing capabilities of the agent in an open and dynamic environment. The novel features of the model include: its innovative use of Computational Logic (CL) in a way that facilitates both the formal analysis of the model and its computational realisability directly from the high-level specification of the agents (a first prototype for the development of KGP agents exists, based upon a correct computational counterpart of the model), the modular separation of concerns and fiexibility afforded by the model in designing heterogeneous agents and in developing independently the various components of an agent, and the declarative agent control provided through a context-sensitive cycle CL theory component that regulates the agent's operational behaviour, according to the current circumstances of operation, thus breaking away from the conventional one-size-fits-all control of operation.