Title
A Python framework for programming autonomous robots using a declarative approach.
Abstract
This paper describes PROFETA (standing for Python RObotic Framework for dEsigning sTrAtegies), a framework for the programming of autonomous robots based on the Belief-Desire-Intention (BDI) software model. PROFETA is inspired by AgentSpeak(L), a formal language for the creation of BDI software agents. The framework is implemented in Python, and utilizes the metaprogramming capabilities offered by this language to implement the operational semantics of AgentSpeak(L). PROFETA provides a flexible environment offering both traditional object-oriented imperative constructs and declarative constructs, enabling the definition of a robot's high-level behavior in a simple, natural way. The contributions of this paper, in the area of software design and development, are: (i) a methodology, equipped with suitable technical solutions, to extend the Python programming language with AgentSpeak(L) declarative constructs; and (ii) a unified environment enabling software components for robots to be developed using a single language (Python) within a single runtime environment (the Python virtual machine). A comparison between PROFETA and other similar frameworks is provided, illustrating common aspects and key differences.
Year
DOI
Venue
2017
10.1016/j.scico.2017.01.003
Science of Computer Programming
Keywords
Field
DocType
Robot programming,BDI model,AgentSpeak(L),Python,Operator overloading
Metaprogramming,Operational semantics,Programming language,Virtual machine,Computer science,Software agent,Theoretical computer science,Software,Software Design and Development,Component-based software engineering,Python (programming language)
Journal
Volume
ISSN
Citations 
139
0167-6423
4
PageRank 
References 
Authors
0.51
25
4
Name
Order
Citations
PageRank
Loris Fichera1213.71
Fabrizio Messina236337.95
Giuseppe Pappalardo359563.41
Corrado Santoro449051.37