In the previous module, our focus was in describing the state of things and the rules that govern how the universe operates. The next level is to describe not only the initial state, but also a desired target state to which we want the world to move. Then, ensuring that all rules are respected at all times, identify possible sequences of actions one can take to lead the state of the world from the initial one to the target state. This process is called planning and is at the focus of the present module.
This module will help you do the following:
The blocks world is a classical toy problem in planning which is an important (non-ML) type of AI. The below video is a bit long and gives much more detail than is necessary for our present purposes, but a double-speed no-sound glance at it gives you some context to what formal planning refers to:
After watching the video (or at least parts of it), again off the top of your head without consulting sources, identify at least one problem of each of the following fields that could possibly be solved (in part or wholly) with a well-designed planning algorithm: (a) healthcare, (b) supply networks (e.g., storage or transportation of goods) (b) manufacture of goods.