AIMAG@SUMEX-AIM.STANFORD.EDU.UUCP (05/21/87)
Report on the 1986 Artificial Intelligence and Simulation Workshop Richard B. Modjeski US Army Concepts Analysis Agency, Advanced Research Projects Office 8120 Woodmont Ave, Bethesda, MD 20814 The first Artificial Intelligence (AI) and simulation workshop was held during the National Conference on Artificial Intelligence (AAAI) on August 11, 1986 at the University of Pennsylvania (Wharton Hall). It was attended by over 40 participants from academic, government, and industrial institutions. It included paper presentations, informal discussions, and a panel summary of AI and simulation applications in the areas of: 1) State of the art and future directions in AI and simulation (Authur Gerstenfeld, Worcester Polytechnic Institute); 2) AI problem solving using simulation (Y.V. Ramana Reddy, University of West Virginia); 3) Knowledge representation issues related to simulation (Marilyn Stelzner, Intellicorp); 4) Engineering issues related to AI and simulation (Dick Modjeski, US Army Concepts Analysis Agency). Individual presentations given in each of the above areas of the workshop are published in a technical report distributed by the Defense Technical Information Center (DTIC Number AD-A174 053). A copy of the report can be obtained by calling DTIC at (202)274-6847/6874. The fields of computer simulation and artificial intelligence offer each other something of value. The methods and techniques of each discipline offer a fresh approach to revitalizing each other. The intersection of AI and simulation may offer a unique application of computer science that may be of use to both fields. Many of the concepts in this area of AI applied from simulation are developed from engineering and computer science application experiments. Some formalisms have appeared but much work needs to be done to establish relations between constructs and processes. Applications developed using combinations of AI and simulation techniques by universities, industry, and government have demonstrated that this aspect of AI is already maturing as a useful area of development. LTC Russell E. Frew, Program Manager of the Air-Land Battle Management Project, Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), suggested that their was growing interest in applying AI and simulation within the Department of Defense. A request was made that proposals for research in this area be sent to DARPA. The Second Workshop on AI and Simulation will be held on July 14, 1987 in conjuction with the AAAI-87 Conference in Room 316-B of South Campus Center, University of Washington, Seattle. This workshop is open to Conference attendees and will provide another opportunity for researchers and applications designers to exchange ideas and debate issues in this growing area of interest. -------