Towards general embodied intelligence: integrating large language models, knowledge bases, and reasoning capabilities to build the next generation of AI agents

Abstract

The convergence of large language models (LLMs), structured knowledge bases (KBs), and reasoning ability (RA) presents a promising trajectory toward general embodied intelligence (GEI). This paper reviews the evolution of LLM-centered intelligent systems, emphasising their integration with knowledge representation, logical reasoning, and physical embodiment. We analyse LLM architectures, pre-training methods, and inference mechanisms, along with their interaction with external knowledge sources and structured reasoning frameworks. Furthermore, we examine embodied intelligence (EI) paradigms wherein agents learn and act in physical environments. To synthesise these dimensions, we present a conceptual framework that illustrates the synergy among LLMs, KBs, RA, and embodiment, serving as a guiding model for perception, reasoning, and action rather than an implemented engineering architecture. To advance toward GEI, we identify five key challenges: efficient LLM deployment, closed-loop knowledge integration, hybrid symbolic-neural reasoning, perception-action grounding, and continual learning. This survey provides a comprehensive roadmap for developing adaptive, multimodal agents capable of operating in complex, dynamic settings.