AI Termcirca 1980· Added May 29, 2026
Multi-Agent Systems
Multi-agent systems consist of multiple interacting autonomous agents within an environment.
Multi-agent systems (MAS) involve collections of autonomous agents that interact or collaborate to achieve specific goals or solve complex problems. Each agent in a MAS operates based on local perceptions and rules but can coordinate with others through communication protocols. These systems are particularly effective for distributed problem solving, such as resource allocation, network routing, or collaborative robotics. MAS implement various models of cooperation, competition, and negotiation to fulfill their objectives in a decentralized manner.
Examples
- Swarm robotics where robots collectively perform tasks like search and rescue.
- Distributed computing networks optimizing resource usage across servers.
- Traffic management systems where multiple autonomous vehicles coordinate routes.
Common misconceptions
- MAS always function without central control; some require hierarchical oversight.
- They only work in digital simulations; many real-world applications exist.
- Agents in MAS always cooperate when they might also be competitive.
Related terms
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