Multi-Agent Systems (MAS) are a field of computer science and artificial intelligence that focus on the design, analysis, and implementation of systems composed of multiple interacting intelligent agents. These agents can be software-based, hardware-based, or a combination of both.
Key Characteristics
- Autonomy: Each agent operates independently and makes decisions based on its own objectives.
- Interactivity: Agents interact with each other and with the environment.
- Scalability: MAS can scale to handle a large number of agents.
- Flexibility: The system can adapt to changes in the environment or in the behavior of other agents.
Types of Agents
- Software Agents: These are programs that operate on a computer system.
- Hardware Agents: These are physical devices that can sense and act in the real world.
- Hybrid Agents: These combine aspects of both software and hardware.
Applications
- E-commerce: MAS can be used to simulate marketplaces and facilitate trading.
- Robotics: MAS can be used to control groups of robots working together.
- Distributed Systems: MAS can be used to manage and coordinate complex distributed systems.
Challenges
- Communication: Agents must be able to communicate effectively with each other.
- Coordination: Agents must coordinate their actions to achieve a common goal.
- Scalability: As the number of agents increases, the system becomes more complex.
For more information on Multi-Agent Systems, check out our comprehensive guide on MAS Fundamentals.
References
- Introduction to Multi-Agent Systems by Jomi F. Herold, Gerhard Weidenhaupt, and Roderich Sack
- Principles of Multi-Agent Systems by Tuomas Sandholm
For further reading on the subject, don't miss our In-Depth Analysis of MAS.