A MAX agent has no architecturally-defined learning or even reasoning mechanisms. But any reasoning or learning mechanism that the programmer defines may use the whole of the knowledge base and any other behavior or monitor. A simple MEA planner comes with the system, but it does not preclude other planners from being added. Basically, any desired component must be implemented by the programmer in terms of behaviors and monitors. MAX was designed to work in robotic environments.
Monitors allow it to work in dynamic environments.
They allow timely attention to important aspects of the environment over ones of lesser importance. MAX was demonstrated in a simulated robotic environment, but events could happen that were outside of its control . With different monitors and behaviors vying for processor time MAX may handle conflicting goals. Monitors get assigned to those that must be attended to in a timely fashion. Behaviors maybe assigned to handle possibly conflicting goals, where the planner chooses which behavior to invoke based on its rule.