Module 02562 (2012)

Syllabus page 2012/2013

06-02562
Planning

Level 3/H

Richard Dearden
10 credits in Semester 2

Links | Outline | Aims | Outcomes | Prerequisites | Teaching | Assessment | Books | Detailed Syllabus


The Module Description is a strict subset of this Syllabus Page. (The University module description has not yet been checked against the School's.)

Relevant Links

For more information (like notes, handouts) see the module web page at http://www.cs.bham.ac.uk/~rwd/teaching/planning.php.


Outline

The basic notions and problems of planning are presented, including plan-space and state-space planners, the frame problem, and hierarchical task networks. The module looks at a range of different planning problems, and a number of algorithms for solving them. These include STRIPS, UCPop, Graph Plan, SAT Plan, and HTN planners. In addition, some recent advances in planning will be looked at. These may include decision-theoretic planning, robotic architectures for planning, scheduling, and planning under uncertainty. The advantages and disadvantages of the different approaches are discussed.


Aims

The aims of this module are to:

  • introduce the basic concepts and terminology of planning
  • give an overview of the main approaches to planning, including classical approaches as well as recent developments
  • present the strengths and limitations of the different approaches
  • enable students to read up-to-date research papers in planning

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this module, the student should be able to: Assessed by:
1explain the main approaches to planning, both 'classical' and recent developments Examination
2understand and discuss the advantages and limitations of these approaches Examination
3demonstrate understanding of current techniques in the field of planning Examination

Restrictions, Prerequisites and Corequisites

Restrictions:

May not be taken by anyone who has taken or is taking 06-20234 (Planning (Extended)).

Prerequisites:

06-23069 (Introduction to AI) (or equivalent)

Co-requisites:

None


Teaching

Teaching Methods:

2 hrs/week lectures, discussion classes

Contact Hours:

24


Assessment

  • Sessional: 1.5 hr examination only.
  • Supplementary (where allowed): By examination only.

Recommended Books

TitleAuthor(s)Publisher, Date
Automated Planning: Theory and PracticeGhallab M, Nau D & Traverso P2004
Artificial Intelligence: A Modern Approach (Second Edition)Russell S & Norvig P2003
Artificial Intelligence: A New SynthesisNilsson NJ1998

Detailed Syllabus

  1. Basic notions of planning
    • Goals
    • Blocks World
    • Deductive planning
    • Frame problem, frame axioms (tractability)
    • Planning as search (breadth-first search, depth-first search, heuristic search)
  2. Planning with STRIPS, Representation, Search, Limits
    • Interaction of partial goals
    • Unsolvable problems
    • Planning for simultaneous goals (solution to the so-called Sussman anomaly)
  3. Non-Linear Planning
    • Basic idea and notions
    • Classification and solution of conflicts
    • Critics
    • Linear vs. non-linear planning
  4. Efficient methods (GraphPlan, SAT planning)
  5. Hierarchical Planning
    • Planning with abstraction of situations
    • Planning with abstraction of operators
  6. Advanced topics in planning

Last updated: 2 Dec 2008

Source file: /internal/modules/COMSCI/2012/xml/02562.xml

Links | Outline | Aims | Outcomes | Prerequisites | Teaching | Assessment | Books | Detailed Syllabus