Abstract
M.Sc. (Computer Science)
Artificial intelligence strives towards providing an autonomous mechanism
by which the environments of humans may be affected beneficially. The
steps taken towards this goal have been to create individual computer
programs that solve small problems; however, larger world problems need
to be addressed. Intelligence in computer systems cannot be seen as a
single algorithm which solves all problems, but rather a set of distinctive
algorithms which may be combined uniquely in order to achieve a
particular goal.
One field of application for artificial intelligence in service to humanity is
robotics. Autonomous robotic entities are becoming more commonplace in
society, making their behaviour an important topic of study. Machines
capable of performing various activities in service of the human race are
fundamentally important if they are to be trusted to perform activities which
could affect the health or well-being of their creators.
The aim of the following research is to present the autonomous two-level
agent framework (ATAF), a framework for intelligent agents to operate
within a robotic entity. The entity must be able to adapt to various
environments and situations and react in a manner consistent with its
environment.