Component Agent Framework for non-Experts (CAFnE) Toolkit Gaya Jayatilleke, Lin Padgham and Michael Winikoff Abstract. Developing agent-oriented systems is still a difficult task. However, a component-based approach can help by supporting both modular modifica- tion of existing systems and construction of new systems from existing parts. Component Agent Framework for non-Experts (CAFnE) is such a framework that uses concepts from model-driven development and component based soft- ware engineering to allow domain experts to easily assemble agent systems. Here we look at the implementation of the framework in the form of the CAFnE toolkit that provides the domain experts with the necessary tools to build and modify agent applications. 1. Introduction Agents are a powerful technology with many significant applications, both demon- strated and potential [12, 13]. However, building and modifying agent systems currently requires substantial expertise in one or more agent development plat- forms. The complex domains where agents are used often have requirements that change as the understanding of the system grows. Agent systems are inherently modular and well suited to the gradual development of the system as specialised situations are recognised and appropriate behaviour specified. Typically domain experts (e.g. meteorologists, scientists, accountants) or users identify and require these changes once the system is deployed. The need for an agent software devel- oper to make these modifications slows down the evolution of the system, as well as increasing the cost. Our vision is to develop a framework that facilitates domain experts themselves in making modifications to a deployed system, in order for it to better fit needs which are identified as the system is used. This paper describes the Component Agent Framework for non-Experts (CAFnE) Toolkit which supports This work was supported by the Australian Research Council (Linkage Grants LP0347025 and LP0453486) in collaboration with the Australian Bureau of Meteorology and Agent Oriented Software Pty. Ltd. We would also like to thank the reviewers for their valuable comments. Gaya Jayatilleke, Lin Padgham, and Michael Winikoff. Component Agent Framework for non-Experts (CAFnE) Toolkit. Chapter in Software Agent-Based Applications and Prototypes, edited by Rainer Unland, Monique Calisti and Matthias Klusch. Whitestein Series in Software Agents Technologies, Birkhaeuser Publishing Company