In the world of Artificial Intelligence, different approaches exist to building intelligent systems. This article delves into one of the fundamental paradigms: Reactive Machines, often also referred to as Rule-Based Systems. We’ll explore what they are, how they work, their strengths, weaknesses, and their relevance in today’s technology landscape.
What are Reactive Machines/Rule-Based Systems?
At their core, reactive machines are systems that react to their environment in a pre-defined way. They don’t have memory of past events or the ability to learn. Their behavior is entirely determined by a set of rules that map specific input conditions to specific output actions. Think of them as complex “if-then-else” statements constantly evaluating and executing.
Here’s a breakdown:
- Reactive: They respond immediately to changes in their environment.
- Rule-Based: Their behavior is dictated by a set of pre-programmed rules.
- Stateless: They don’t remember previous states or interactions. Each decision is made independently.
