An optimization approach for structured agent-based provider/receiver tasks

K. Baraka, F.S. Melo, M. Couto, M. Veloso

Research output: Chapter in Book / Report / Conference proceedingConference contributionAcademicpeer-review

Abstract

© 2019 International Foundation for Autonomous Agents and Multiagent Systems (www.ifaamas.org). All rights reserved.This work contributes an optimization framework in the context of structured interactions between an agent playing the role of a 'provider' and a human 'receiver'. Examples of provider/receiver interactions of interest include ones between occupational therapist and patient, or teacher and student. We specifically consider tasks where the provider agent needs to plan a sequence of actions with a fixed horizon, where actions are organized along a hierarchy with increasing probabilities of success and associated costs. The goal of the provider is to achieve a success with the lowest expected cost possible. In our application domains, a success may be for instance eliciting a desired behavior or a correct response from the receiver. We present a linear-time optimal planning algorithm that generates cost-optimal sequences for given action parameters. We also provide proofs for a number of properties of optimal solutions that align with typical human provider strategies. Finally, we instantiate our general formulation in the context of robot-assisted therapy tasks for children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). In this context, we present methods for determining action parameters, namely (1) an online survey with experts for determining action costs, and (2) a probabilistic model of child response based on data collected in a real child-robot interaction scenario. Our contributions may unlock increased levels of adaptivity for agents introduced in a variety of assistive contexts.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publication18th International Conference on Autonomous Agents and Multiagent Systems, AAMAS 2019
PublisherInternational Foundation for Autonomous Agents and Multiagent Systems (IFAAMAS)
Pages95-103
ISBN (Electronic)9781510892002
Publication statusPublished - 2019
Externally publishedYes
Event18th International Conference on Autonomous Agents and Multiagent Systems, AAMAS 2019 - Montreal, Canada
Duration: 13 May 201917 May 2019

Publication series

NameProceedings of the International Joint Conference on Autonomous Agents and Multiagent Systems, AAMAS
ISSN (Print)1548-8403
ISSN (Electronic)1558-2914

Conference

Conference18th International Conference on Autonomous Agents and Multiagent Systems, AAMAS 2019
Country/TerritoryCanada
CityMontreal
Period13/05/1917/05/19

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