Schema-based design and the AKIRA Schema Library

This is a gentle introduction to schema-based design.

Abstract. We present a theoretical analysis of schema-based design (SBD), a methodology for designing autonomous agents architectures. We also provide an overview of the AKIRA Schema Language (AKSL), which permits to design schema-based architectures for anticipatory behavior experiments and simulations. Several simulations using AKSL are reviewed, highlighting the relations between pragmatic and epistemic aspects of behavior. Anticipation is crucial in realizing several functionalities with AKSL, such as selecting actions, orienting attention, categorizing and grounding declarative knowledge.

Pezzulo, G. & Calvi. Schema-based design and the AKIRA Schema Language: An Overview. In G.Butz, M.; Sigaud, O.; Pezzulo, G. & Baldassarre, G. (ed.) Anticipatory Behavior in Adaptive Learning Systems: Advances in Anticipatory Processing, Springer LNAI 4520, 2007

A Schema Based Model of the Praying Mantis

My first simulative work about the integration of a sensorimotor system with a simple motivational system, inspired by ethology

Abstract. We present a schema-based agent architecture which is inspired by an ethological model of the praying mantis. It includes an inner state, perceptual and motor schemas, several routines, a fovea and a motor. We describe the design and implementation of the architecture and we use it for comparing two models: the former uses reactive, stimulus-response schemas; the latter involves also forward models, which are used by the schemas for generating predictions. Our results show an advantage in using anticipatory components inside the schemas.

Pezzulo, G. & Calvi, G. A Schema Based Model of the Praying Mantis LNAI, From animals to animats 9: Proceedings of the Ninth International Conference on Simulation of Adaptive Behaviour, Springer Verlag, 2006, LNAI 4095, 211-223