CIS-471/571
Artificial Intelligence
Fall 2008
AI and Agents Assignment
 Due:Monday, 6 October

AI (30)

1. Future
Read James Hendler's article, Computers Play Chess, Humans Play Go . What is the significance of this title,
beyond its literal meaning? What does Hendler see as important challenges and needed directions
for current and future research in AI?

2. Present
Look over the web page for "AI in the News" . What are some main themes from recent articles?
Read one or more related articles and summarize the main points.

3. Chinese Room
Read about the Chinese Room, a thought experiment that has generated many more thoughts.
Answer question 26.2, on page 967 of the text.

Agents (20)

1. ChatBots
Jabberwacky is a chatterbot that won the Loebner Prize a couple of years ago. Interact with the bot, look over past conversations, and discuss your reactions.
What can you find out about how the bot does what it does? What is the Loebner Prize? How can you win the prize (what are the rules)?

2. Agent Types
Chapter 2 describes a hierarchy of agents: reflex, model-based, goal-based, and utility-based.
Each successive class of agent broadens the capabilities that an agent may realize.
Consider creating an agent to play basketball. Discuss how each new type of agent would differ in this context
and what new skills it could possibly have.