Designing agents from reusable components

In this paper, we describe an approach to agent design using a three-tier architecture that promotes composing agents from reusable components. We also present a CASE tool called DIVA TM that allows software engineers to compose and modify such design documents, and automates their transition to implementation. DIVA is integrated with Rose TM from Rational Corporation for exchanging design documents, and with Cybele TM agent infrastructure for translating the design documents to implementation. DIVA has been successfully used in manufacturing and transportation projects.