Abstract
The development and increased popularity of interactive computer games, metaverses, and virtual worlds in general, has over the years attracted the attention of various researchers. Therefore, it is not surprising that the educational potential of these virtual environments (e.g., virtual laboratories) is of particular interest to a wider scientific community, with numerous successful examples coming from different fields, starting from social sciences, to STEM disciplines. However, when it comes to agent theory, which is a highly important part of the general AI (Artificial Intelligence) research focus, there is a noticeable absence of such educational tools. To be more precise, there is a certain lack of virtual educational systems dedicated primarily to agents. That was the motivation for the development of the AViLab (Agents Virtual Laboratory) gamified system, as a demonstration tool for educational purposes in the related subject of agent theory. The developed system is thoroughly described in this paper. The current version of the AViLab consists of several agents (developed according to the agenda elaborated in the manuscript), aiming to demonstrate certain insights into fundamental agent structures. Although the task imposed to our agents essentially represents a sort of “picking” or “collecting” task, the scenario in the system is rather gamified, in order to be more immersive for potential users, spectators, or possible test subjects. This kind of task was chosen because of its wide applicability in both, gaming scenarios and real-world everyday scenarios. In order to demonstrate how AViLab can be utilized, we conducted an exemplar experiment, described in the paper. Alongside its educational purpose, the AViLab system also has the potential to be used for research purposes in the related subjects of agent theory, AI, and game AI, especially regarding future system extensions (including the introduction of new scenarios, more advanced agents, etc.).
Highlights
Publisher’s Note: MDPI stays neutralOver the last few decades, we have witnessed extensive development and popularity growth of interactive computer games, metaverses or MUVEs (Multi-User Virtual Environments), and similar virtual environments
It could be noticed that virtual laboratories represent one of the most fruitful educational applications of virtual worlds technologies
All the previously analyzed can serve as a clear indicator of the necessity of developing systems such as our AViLab, bearing in mind the importance of virtual laboratories and similar environments across the many scientific fields and at the same time an obvious deficiency of such systems dedicated to agents
Summary
Over the last few decades, we have witnessed extensive development and popularity growth of interactive computer games, metaverses or MUVEs (Multi-User Virtual Environments), and similar virtual environments. There are many successful examples of virtual laboratories and demonstration tools in different scientific disciplines, it can be noticed that there is very little work on the subject, when it comes to the theory of agents, which will be elaborated of the paper. At this point, agents and agent theory should be briefly clarified as terms. AViLab in a certain sense follows the “serious gaming” manner and primarily aims to serve as an illustrative tool for the demonstration of agent theory fundamentals, experimentation, and visualization of theoretical concepts This system has the potential to be used for research purposes. The fifth section gives concluding remarks and a brief discussion
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
