JACK intelligent agents-summary of an agent infrastructure

Abstract

Intelligent Agents are being used for modelling simple rational behaviours in a wide range of distributed applications. In particular, multi-agent architectures based on the Belief-Desire- Intention model have been used successfully in situations where modelling of human reasoning and team behaviour are needed, such as simulating tactical decision-making in defence operations and command and control structures. Other applications include intelligent web applications, manufacturing control, telephone call centres, and air traffic management. The JACK Intelligent Agents framework by Agent Oriented Software brings the concept of intelligent agents into the mainstream of commercial software engineering and Java. JACK Intelligent Agents is a third generation agent framework, designed as a set of lightweight components with high performance and strong data typing. We present the design approach and major technical characteristics of JACK Intelligent Agents, with a focus on some of the more recent developments modular structuring elements called Capabilities and the team-based reasoning model called SimpleTeam. Two example applications, in decision support and defence simulation are described. Also, we discuss the benefits of the component-based approach, both for the software engineer developing sophisticated distributed applications, and for the researcher exploring agent models and architectures.