AI Termcirca 1995· Added Jun 7, 2026
Multi-Agent System (MAS)
A Multi-Agent System consists of multiple interacting intelligent agents within an environment.
A Multi-Agent System (MAS) comprises several autonomous agents that interact within a shared environment. These agents can collaborate, compete, or perform tasks independently, depending on the system's goals. MAS are used in various applications, from robotics to simulations of social systems, due to their ability to solve complex problems through distributed intelligence. Each agent operates based on its own perception and decision-making capabilities, contributing to the overall behavior of the system. The interaction among agents can lead to emergent behaviors, making MAS suitable for dynamic and unpredictable environments.
Examples
- Robotic swarms executing coordinated tasks.
- Simulation of traffic systems with autonomous vehicles.
- Online marketplaces with multiple trading bots.
Common misconceptions
- It's not just about multiple agents; it's about their interaction.
- Agents don't have to be physical entities; they can be software-based.
- MAS doesn't imply agents always cooperate; they can also compete.
Related terms
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