MAPS: A Multi-Agent Problem Solving System
Abstract: The Multi-Agent Problem Solving system
(MAPS) described in this paper, consists of a number of identical integrated
agents which work independently within the same world. MAPS can be viewed
as a framework within which highly distributed applications for problem
solving could be developed. Given a goal, each agent uses its beliefs about
the world in order to generate plans which best reflect its abilities.
In the presence of other agents in the same environment, who continuously
modify the world, the accomplishment of tasks may not be straightforward.
It is, therefore, necessary that an agent in MAPS should engage communication
with other agents, whenever exchange of information is required. The abstract
software architecture of MAPS agents contains a number of modules which
contribute to an efficient overall problem solving process. An example
of MAPS effectiveness is demonstrated by implementing a simulator over
a simple domain. This leads towards an experimental evaluation of the system
which is finally discussed.
Keywords: Integrated Agent Abstract Architecture, Distributed
Artificial Intelligence, Multi-Agent Systems
Appeared in: Proceedings of the 6th Panhellenic Conference on
Information Techology, Athens, December 1997.
Available: Hardcopy on request from the authors. .
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