ai16z founder Shaw says hierarchical task networks will power Eliza v2: What exactly are they?

by

Andrej Karpathy from ai16z has declared that Hierarchical Task Networks (HTNs) will be incorporated into their AI system, Eliza.

On January 6th, the founder of ai16z (AI16Z), Shaw, expressed via X that the team would also be supporting the development of HTNs integration in Eliza version two. This statement was made in reply to a comment by fellow X member @lordOfAFew, who highlighted the daily struggles AI agents often encounter.

As an analyst, I’m thrilled to share that among our team members, Loaf stands out as a significant contributor to the Eliza repository.

In the upcoming version 2 of Eliza, we are planning to incorporate Hierarchical Task Networks (HTNs). This development is not just an addition; it’s an investment we’re making.

HTNs hold immense potential, particularly in gaming, digital wallet applications, and any context where a sophisticated sequence of actions needs to be planned out effectively.

— Shaw (@shawmakesmagic) January 6, 2025

Challenges of AI agent networks

In the Delphi Dephi podcast, Shaw emphasized that AI agents will shape the future of every AI business. He also underscored the importance of strengthening AI agent networks. At present, the main challenge for these networks lies in defining long-term objectives, particularly during the initial stages when the agents are being developed. Currently, natural language instructions can only guide them to follow simple commands. Although agents can interpret predefined structures by reacting to cues, this doesn’t provide them with true autonomy and self-determination.

This issue arises chiefly due to its inhibition of autonomous action by agents in pursuit of intricate, far-reaching targets. To overcome this challenge, it requires intricate task structures and the self-governing capacity for strategies to adapt and evolve.

As a researcher, I recognize that achieving Stage Three Autonomy necessitates significant modifications in the hardware, firmware, and software components. This undertaking is indeed challenging. However, it’s through swift advancements in technology, particularly High-Level Task Networks (HTNs), that we can equip agents with the capability to manage intricate, long-term tasks effectively.

Hierarchical Task Networks (HTNs) are organizational structures that divide complex tasks into smaller, manageable subtasks, which are then arranged in a hierarchical, tree-like pattern. These networks enable AI systems to efficiently and effectively plan and execute a sequence of tasks, even when the overall objective is unclear or ambiguous.

In the realm of video games, Hierarchical Task Networks (HTNs) can make Non-Player Characters (NPCs) act more tactically, resulting in intricate and engaging gameplay for players. On the other hand, for digital wallets, HTNs could streamline procedures such as payment approval, fraud prevention, and account balancing adjustments.

For games, HTNs can make characters behave more intelligently, creating a realistic and exciting experience. For online wallets, HTNs might make transactions easier by handling tasks like verifying payments, detecting fraud, and updating balances.

How can HTNs help Eliza Labs?

Introducing HTNs into Eliza v2 significantly enhances the platform’s capabilities, enabling it to perform multi-step actions, quickly adapt its plans when modifications are made, and manage various industrial processes effortlessly without experiencing any strain. HTNs represent a tangible embodiment of Eliza Labs’ primary goal: designing AI systems that don’t merely respond but intelligently and proactively plan, filling in the blanks to effectively tackle real-world challenges.

Read More

2025-01-06 13:14