Intelligent Agents: Characteristics and Applications

This lecture introduces the concept of intelligent agents, discussing their characteristics, applications, and importance in software systems. The instructor covers topics such as autonomy, reactivity, proactiveness, and rationality in agents, emphasizing the role of agents in making autonomous decisions and coordinating with other agents. The lecture also explores the challenges and techniques for implementing rationality and dealing with self-interest in multi-agent systems. Practical examples of intelligent agents in optimization, coordination, and distributed systems are presented, highlighting their impact on various domains. The course outline includes individual agents, agent coordination, self-interested agents, and platforms for heterogeneous systems.