A new deductive approach to planning

Abstract

We introduce a new deductive approach to planning which is based on Horn clauses. Plans as well as situations are represented as terms and, thus, are first-class objects. As a consequence, we do neither need frame axioms nor state-literals. The only rule of inference is the SLDE-resolution rule, i.e. SLD-resolution, where the traditional unification algorithm has been replaced by an E-unification procedure. We examplify the properties of our method such as forward and backward reasoning, plan checking, and the integration of general theories. Finally, we present the calculus and show that it is sound and complete.