Tool Support for Planning and Plan Analysis within Domains embodying Continuous Change

In this paper we describe work in progress that aims to develop a domain-independent tool set which supports the creation and analysis of domain descriptions and plans containing continuously changing processes, instantaneous events, and actions. The tools described are (i) a life history editor that enables a designer to create a domain description diagrammatically, automatically generating much of the textual encoding; (ii) an animator that simulates plans, firing events and processes; (iii) an HTN planner that generates plans in such domains. Tools (i) and (ii) are currently implemented as a subset of the GIPO III environment. We conclude by stating some initial findings and points that might be raised at the workshop.