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.