Frameworks for developing intelligent systems: The ABE systems engineering environment

The development of a system engineering environment called ABE, a Better Environment, as part of the strategic computing program of the US Dept. of Defense´s Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) is described. The goal was to create technologies and methodologies for building cooperative, intelligent systems with modular, heterogeneous components. The motivating problems are discussed. The specific needs of intelligent-system developers that the work addressed and the key technical approaches that were adopted are examined. The ABE software system is described. As an example of the use of ABE, PMR, a system for plan monitoring and replanning, is presented. The lessons learned in developing ABE and the issues remaining to be addressed are discussed.<>