An Introduction to MultiAgent Systems

The study of multi-agent systems (MAS) focuses on systems in which
many intelligent agents interact with each other. These
agents are considered to be autonomous entities such as software
programs or robots. Their interactions can either be
cooperative (for example as in an ant colony) or selfish (as in a
free market economy). This book assumes only basic knowledge
of algorithms and discrete maths, both of which are taught as
standard in the first or second year of computer science degree
programmes. A basic knowledge of artificial intelligence
would useful to help understand some of the issues, but is not
essential.

The book's main aims are:

* To introduce the student to the concept of agents and
multi-agent systems, and the main applications for which they are
appropriate

* To introduce the main issues surrounding the design of
intelligent agents

* To introduce the main issues surrounding the design of a
multi-agent society

* To introduce a number of typical applications for agent
technology

After reading the book the student should understand:

* The notion of an agent, how agents are distinct from other
software paradigms (e.g. objects) and the characteristics of
applications that lend themselves to agent-oriented software

* The key issues associated with constructing agents capable of
intelligent autonomous action and the main approaches taken to
developing such agents

* The key issues in designing societies of agents that can
effectively cooperate in order to solve problems, including an
understanding of the key types of multi-agent interactions possible
in such systems

* The main application areas of agent-based systems