STRIPS
Definition
STRIPS describes planning actions through preconditions and their changes to the system state.
STRIPS is a formal representation for planning problems in which actions are described by preconditions as well as add and delete effects.
Simply explained
For each step, it is clear what must hold beforehand and what is added or removed afterward. From this, a planner searches for a path to the goal.
Why it matters in practice
The term helps to select, develop, evaluate AI systems in a well-founded manner and realistically assess their technical risks.
Example from business
A planner searches for a sequence of permissible actions to transform a warehouse state into a target state.
Limits and pitfalls
- The classical representation strongly abstracts time, uncertainty, and side effects; real processes often require richer models.
Origin & history
Fikes and Nilsson developed STRIPS in 1971 for planning the robot Shakey.
Use in mid-sized companies
- Possible application: A planner searches for a sequence of permissible actions to transform a warehouse state into a target state.
Frequently asked questions
What does STRIPS mean?
STRIPS is a formal representation for planning problems in which actions are described by preconditions as well as add and delete effects. What should one pay attention to? The classical representation strongly abstracts time, uncertainty, and side effects; real processes often require richer models.
Sources
- STRIPS: A New Approach to the Application of Theorem Proving to Problem Solving · Fikes and Nilsson, STRIPS: A New Approach to the Application of Theorem Proving to Problem Solving
Source checked on 10.10.2026. Editorial application examples are hypothetical; no evidence of real customer results.
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