Description
Development of Multi-Agent Systems Infrastructure: A Practical Approach explores the creation of modular frameworks to support the deployment of real-world software applications utilizing multi-agent systems (MAS). Drawing from the author's hands-on experience with the FLASH-MAS framework—a Fast Lightweight Agent Shell—the book delves into both theoretical models and practical solutions for MAS implementation. It addresses the complexities of deploying autonomous agents across diverse fields such as manufacturing, robotics, health care, and supply chain management, highlighting the shared challenges developers face when managing distributed, networked, or large-scale agent interactions. The book is organized into three main sections, covering models and languages for MAS, the deployment and interaction between system entities, and practical guidance for implementing robust MAS frameworks. Emphasizing modularity, the author presents adaptable tools and solutions that can be independently utilized for system development and maintenance. Practical issues such as entity lifecycle management, environmental interactions, and system robustness are thoroughly examined, making this resource valuable for both new and experienced MAS developers.- Presents models and languages for multi-agent systems (MAS) development- Includes three key sections covering: modeling and languages for multi-agent systems; entity deployment and interaction; and practical considerations for implementing contemporary MAS frameworks- Provides a hands-on method for developing working MAS solutions across a variety of applications- Showcases solutions in a structured, modular format so they can be replicated and used independently from one another
Table of Contents
Part 1: Introduction1. Purpose of this book2. Foundational concepts3. Applications, challenges and requirements4. A comparative study of current MAS frameworks5. The FLASH-MAS frameworkPart 2: Modeling agents and infrastructures6. Entities in a multi-agent system7. Integration of agent-oriented programming languages8. The Entity-operation modelPart 3: Interaction between entities9. Mobility of entities10. Decentralized communication protocols11. Leveraging the advantages of web standards12. Region-based decentralized communication13. Entity systems deployed over heterogeneous environmentsPart 4: Deploying modern MAS-based applications14. Complex deployment scenarios15. Agent-based simulation16. Monitoring and controlling a distributed system17. Integrating machine learning into software agents18. Distributed machine learning in agent communities
