To appear , AAAI-94 An Algorithm for Probabilistic Least { Commitment Planning

We de ne the probabilistic planning problem in terms of a probability distribution over initial world states, a boolean combination of goal propositions, a probability threshold, and actions whose e ects depend on the execution-time state of the world and on random chance. Adopting a probabilistic model complicates the de nition of plan success: instead of demanding a plan that provably achieves the goal, we seek plans whose probability of success exceeds the threshold. This paper describes a probabilistic semantics for planning under uncertainty, and presents a fully implemented algorithm that generates plans that succeed with probability no less than a user-supplied probability threshold. The algorithm is sound (if it terminates then the generated plan is su ciently likely to achieve the goal) and complete (the algorithm will generate a solution if one exists).