The integration of cognitive architectures and computational intelligence using the SODA methodology

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Consoli, Angela

Affiliations: Defence Science and Technology Group, PO Box 1500, Edinburgh SA 5111, Australia. E-mail: angela.consoli@dsto.defence.gov.au

Abstract: The versatility and application of Intelligent Multi-Agent Systems (I-MASs) is becoming more complex. The increase in complexity is due to a sudden requirement for Intelligent Agents (IAs) and I-MASs to exhibit more human-like functionality. This includes the ability to represent knowledge using perception, learning, recognition, reasoning and rationality. In addition, this ``wishlist'' of functionality also needs to be constrained within the limits of current technology. Designers of I-MASs are looking at mechanisms and processes that can satisfy more involved requirements. Two such paradigms are cognitive architectures and computational intelligence. The Agent Coordination and Cooperation Cognitive Model (AC3M) was developed to primarily illustrate the link between agent coordination and cooperation. Whilst analysing AC3M, the Stimulate-Orient-Decide-Act (SODA) methodology was discovered. This methodology is a result of integrating cognitive architecture principles with computational intelligence. SODA was the integration of the Belief, Desire and Intention (BDI) methodology with the Observe-Orient-Decide-Act (OODA) loop and results in the components of BDI being linked to phases of the OODA loop. The main advantage of the SODA methodology is the enhancement of an agent's situational awareness, which has proven to be paramount in the area of team automation.

Keywords: Multi-agent coordination and cooperation, cognitive architectures, computational intelligence, cognitive agents, intelligent agents, multi-agent systems, automation, autonomy

DOI: 10.3233/KES-150325

Journal: International Journal of Knowledge-based and Intelligent Engineering Systems, vol. 19, no. 4, pp. 235-254, 2015